Teulon residents had the chance to voice their opinions about the future of parks and public spaces in the community.
The town undertook a community engagement process to gather feedback from user groups. From this input, the town identified a list of 11 emerging priorities: accessible/permanent washrooms, new canteen/concession, community spaces at Green Acres, active transportation paths, Centennial Hall improvements, recreation upgrades for sports infrastructure, arena maintenance and upgrades, town beautification, community collaboration, museum support/agreements and pool/splash pad.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the town hosted an open house event at the Teulon Rockwood Centennial to present these priorities. Attendees had the chance to learn about current parks and project ideas. They also had the opportunity to share their ideas and to talk directly with council and town representatives.
A total of 52 residents attended the session, along with four council members. Mayor Todd Campbell launched the event by explaining the process to date as well as the projects that are already underway based on immediate need.
“Participants were invited to comment on each of the priorities and to identify any additional items they felt were missing,” said CAO Chris Yuen.
“Each participant received four dots to vote on the priorities they believed were most important for the community.”
They had about an hour to vote and make comments on the 11 priorities. At a 12th station, they had the chance to provide feedback on anything they felt might be missing from the process.
The priority that received the most support with 45 votes was the need for a new canteen or concession, followed by accessible/permanent washrooms (24 votes), pool/splash pad (24 votes) and active transportation paths (22 votes).
Twenty people voted for enhancements to community spaces at Green Acres, which could include improved picnic and camping amenities, campground Wi-Fi and better stage use and maintenance.
Other priorities that received support are community collaboration (15 votes), town beautification (12 votes), recreation upgrades for sports infrastructure (11 votes), arena maintenance and upgrades (8 votes), Centennial Hall upgrades (6 votes) and museum support/agreements (4 votes).
“The Town of Teulon will review the report and will use it to establish a master list of approved projects for future implementation around town, with supporting research, cost estimates and other information required for grant opportunities, future capital project support and community group interest,” Yuen said. “The report will be shared with all residents.”
In other council news:
• New amenities are on their way to Green Acres Park for all to enjoy. Council authorized the CAO to sign an agreement with Teulon Community Development Initiative that outlines the responsibilities of each party in the development of a modern four-season facility with a commercial kitchen, dining area, washroom facility and social venue in Green Acres Park.
• Council appointed Roger Bouvier as senior election official. He will be responsible for managing and conducting all aspects of municipal elections. Bouvier will receive a $10,000 flat rate plus 60 cents per kilometre while performing his duties. If the election is not held due to all candidates being elected by acclamation, Bouvier will receive a $3,000 flat rate plus mileage.
• Council supports a petition called “Develop Hospice Care for Terminally Ill People in the Interlake & Eastman Regions.” The petition indicates that residents of the Interlake and Eastman Regions currently lack access to dedicated hospice facilities, and individuals are often placed in long-term care homes that are not designed or resourced to provide specialized end-of-life hospice care. It also notes that access to appropriate hospice care is essential for supporting terminally ill residents and their families with dignity, compassion and safety during end-of-life care.
• The operations supervisor will install a three-way stop sign on Main Street South at the entry of Crescent Creek Estates.
• The town is hiring Taxervice Inc. to manage tax arrears recovery for a three-year term.
• Council approved an emergency plan prepared by Shelley Napier.
• The town spent $600 on employee Christmas gifts.
• Council accepted Fire Chief Scott Skinner’s recommendation to appoint Sean McGill and Danny Hutchinson as deputy chiefs. In addition, Tyler Wilton and Curtis Good will be captains, and Brad Dawson and John Richter are lieutenants.
• The town entered into a contract with Candace Inglis for bartending services at the Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre for a one-year period, which started on Jan. 1.
• The town will pay a monthly fee of $4,309.50 plus tax to 4570732 Manitoba Ltd. for garbage collection services.
• Council approved a $4,800 quote for three granite benches for placement on the trail.
• The Town of Teulon entered into a mutual aid agreement with the RMs of Armstrong, Woodlands and St. Andrews.
• Council agreed to sponsor the $900 rental fee at Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre for a trivia night on March 7 to raise money for the 2026 Teulon Collegiate Institute grads.
