Niverville’s council met on the morning of May 5 to discuss a variety of items on the town’s agenda.

Businesses in Niverville are starting to reopen in various ways and attempting to follow the guidelines recommended by the Government of Manitoba.

“I think it’s a slow rollout here in town,” says Mayor Myron Dyck. “I think restaurateurs who can open a patio will be doing that. Some physiotherapists and massage therapists will be opening, but many have indicated they are not quite ready. They are preparing staff and protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. We ask the community to be cautious and still maintain social distancing so that we can see this reopening successful and not head into a second wave of lockdown. I just ask everyone to be careful and cautious.”

There is still some confusion as to the details surrounding the reopening of parks. School playgrounds will remain closed, but parks around the community are now open. The town is watching other municipalities to see how they interpret the provincial recommendations in these areas, but so far municipal park washrooms will not be opened.

The town’s Arbor Day event has been postponed for later in May. The trees have already been donated by local groups and the public will still be canvassed in preparation for their participation in the planting. If a tree is planned for your area, you will be contacted. 

Youth Job Centre Shuttered 

The provincial government has cancelled its Manitoba Youth Job Centres program for the year, which will likely have an impact on the town’s recreation department, as well as not-for-profit organizations around town.

Any summer day camps that previously sourced young workers may be affected and young workers looking for summer jobs may have a tougher time finding casual work.

However, Niverville’s Green Team is not affected, since the town hires for and funds these positions on its own.