Hello to our residents and visitors in the Municipality of Russell Binscarth!
I hope everyone has been enjoying the wonderful weather and numerous activities offered throughout the municipality this summer! All Council members have been attending as many events as possible, including (but not limited to): Binscarth Canada Day, Kumbira Philipino Cultural Celebration, Ste Madeline’s Metis Days, British Tea Party at the Binscarth Drop-In Center; the Agricultural Society’s Rodeo events on Wednesday evenings, hot dog BBQ lunches at our Binscarth & Russell libraries, Friday’s Farmers’ Market, Kids’ Business Fair (see highlights in the newsletter), Yachminka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble’s Glow Golfing evening – just to mention some of the great opportunities we have had to celebrate summer with our friends, neighbours and visitors! And of course, the Amazing Race Canada “Block Party” held on July 30 was definitely a highlight and an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the Municipality of Russell Binscarth and area! It was an honor to have Jon Montgomery and his family back “home” to join everyone and watch the show on the big screens at the GPB Hall. A HUGE thank you to the organizers, food & beverage sponsors, and staff for hosting a wonderful event!
Council is pleased that the Manitoba Department of Infrastructure and Transportation was able to provide a paving program for our Main Street, as well as to PTH #16 west out of Russell and to PTH #83 north out of Russell. This work has made a significant improvement to our area, and we thank the province for their response to our request for repair of Main Street.
We also thank the numerous volunteers who planted the flower beds along our streets in Binscarth and Russell this spring, and thank the Public Works and Green Team staff for keeping the flowers watered and looking beautiful. We receive many compliments on how inviting and lovely our streets are! Council members have been busy throughout the summer with their various committees. Two, in particular, that our Municipality has been in partnership with other municipalities for many years, are being dissolved due to a dwindling lack of interest from our partnering communities. Asessippi Parkland Tourism and Assiniboine Valley Regional Community Development Corporation are winding down over the summer, and operation of both will cease to exist. Council has hired a consultant to assist in redesigning these entities into one “economic development/tourism” department solely for our municipality. This is an exciting opportunity for the municipality, and we will be seeking input from our ratepayers in the coming weeks, as to the development of this department!
It is hard to believe that we are approaching back-to-school and fall activities in a few weeks time. Please take advantage of the September 10th Mass Registration opportunity at the GPB Hall, to enroll your family members in the many activities offered throughout the municipality. Our numerous service clubs and volunteer-reliant organizations will also be in attendance, to bring awareness of the services they provide and to (hopefully!) sign up a few new members! There is a group for almost every interest, so please consider joining one and help contribute to the benefit of our communities.
I am out and about on “Mondays with the Mayor”, and I stop in at many locations throughout the municipality to chat. If you prefer a private in-person meeting, please make an appointment with me and I will be happy to meet with you to discuss your issues. Thank you and have a wonderful fall!
Judy Snitynsky, Mayor
Email: jsnitynsky@mrbgov.com
C: 204-773-6347
