Last week's sudden fire that suddenly engulfed one of Killarney-Turtle Mountain's road maintenance graders shook up the staff as this is something you just don't see very often.
"This has never happened before; we've had a few small fires in a loader many, many years ago, but nothing like this," shares Mayor Janice Smith. "When you're dealing with hydraulic hoses, oil, gears, and heat, a malfunction can cause a fire quickly. We're just so thankful that our operator was able to get out and is fine. That was our main concern, as it happened rather quickly. Right now, they're still trying to figure out exactly what happened."
As there were environmental concerns with the leakage of oils and lubricants, the municipality is doing their due diligence to address that issue on the affected road a few miles east of Killarney.
Replacing the grader is covered by insurance, but as it is road maintenance season the municipality is scouting around for a replacement. "We might even borrow one in the meantime because we have operators for all three graders, and they're always in use. Being down one grader is challenging, especially if it's more than just a repair. Hopefully, the system will work well for us, and we'll have a new one on the road very shortly," she adds.
On the brighter side, the municipality was awarded $813K through Manitoba's Grow Fund towards landfill expansion
"Yes, we are so excited here at the Municipality of Killarney Turtle Mountain as we were awarded $813,000 from the Manitoba government under the Manitoba Growth and Renewal Opportunities Fund, also known as the Grow Fund. This fund is specifically for municipalities outside of the perimeter, which is wonderful," shares Mayor Smith.
The grant was to help pay for the new landfill as a new cell needed to be built. The cost of the project increased dramatically since their last quote and with rising costs continuing the municipality was concerned that price was going to get even steeper.
"It was a big concern because we were going to be borrowing over $1,000,000 and then having to take $113,000 out of the reserve just to build the cell," explains Smith. "This way, we were able to build the cell plus a new shop. And if anyone has been out there, they know the shop is not very nice. Landfill areas are not the prettiest places to be, and we think the shop needs to be in better shape for our staff. If they're spending their time out there, they should have a nice, clean area to do their work, which is very important," she adds.
"So, the project is now going to be $1.62 million, but with these extra funds, we can complete the whole project and only have to borrow half the money we anticipated borrowing," says Smith. "We'll get the new cell engineered and built for that price, and it should last about 10 years, and we can also create a master plan for the future of our landfill, as there are some issues in our quarter out there."
AND Killarney will be welcoming a new Handi-Van to their fleet!
The Federal Government committed close to $4 million to rural Manitoba through the Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada Grant, and through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund Killarney-Turtle Mountain received funding to purchase a new Handi-Van.
The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is designated to help increase transit services across Manitoba.
"We got to be a part of this wonderful incentive, and if we're a little short [in funding] then we will have the trade in from our old van," notes Mayor Smith. "It will be a full-sized van with about 26 seats, and will be wheelchair accessible with a lift, everything that's needed for our residents."