Snowmobile safety solutions

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Published on Sunday, January 1, 2017

By Constable Kelson Panteluk

Submitted

On Dec. 10 Treherne RCMP received a report that two males aged 29 and 42 from the Winnipeg area had been snowmobiling in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. They called 911 after they got lost on the trails.Treherne, Carberry and Portage la Prairie RCMP officers, with conservation officers from Manitoba Sustainable Development, deployed with snowmobiles and trucks. The males were located by RCMP after being lost for more than six hours. Both men were dressed for the weather and were able to start a fire; temperatures reached -35C. 

These males survived because they were prepared. Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind when heading out on a snowmobile or on marked snow trails this winter season:

• Don't ride alone.

• Be prepared. Carry spare fuel, survival gear and ensure you are dressed for the weather conditions. 

• When travelling in areas with which you are unfamiliar, always make sure to carry a charged cellphone and GPS when you can. 

• Travel on marked trails when in areas you have never before travelled.

• Always advise someone of what route you plan to take and when you plan to return.

• The law requires that you always wear an approved helmet. 

• Snowmobiles are not to be operated on roadways, shoulders or sidewalks unless circumstances fall under other provisions laid out in the Off Road Vehicles Act. 

• To cross a roadway on a snowmobile, a driver must have a valid driver’s licence. 

• Like any other mode of transportation, only operate a snowmobile when sober and alert. 

• Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a minimum of 18 years old. 

• Young persons over the age of 14 can ride without parental accompaniment, but cannot cross a roadway until they obtain a valid driver’s licence.

Adult day program helps seniors active and independent

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Published on Friday, December 30, 2016

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

As the seasons change, so does the decor in the dining room of Yellowhead Manor and it’s all thanks to the participants in the community’s Adult Day Program. Run by out of Neepawa’s Country Meadows Personal Care Home, the Adult Day Program gives seniors in the community a chance to keep their hands, bodies and minds active.  

Read more: Adult day program helps seniors active and independent

Local charities impacted by changes to giving program

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Published on Thursday, December 29, 2016

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

Changes to Manitoba Hydro’s charitable giving policy are making it a little harder for employees to support charitable organizations close to home.  Previously, employees could donate to charities directly through automatic payroll deductions, as well as to one of 14 local allocation funds, which was matched by the corporation and distributed by the local fund committee. Under the old giving program, smaller, Neepawa-based charities, such as the Neepawa United Way, Neepawa and Area Palliative Care and the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation received numerous donations from Hydro staff.

Read more: Local charities impacted by changes to giving program

Council decision disappoints local company

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Published on Thursday, December 29, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

A major change to Neepawa’s garbage and recycling contract has a local company evaluating its next move. TAC Ventures, which has had the Town’s garbage and recycling contract  for just under a decade, was not successful in its latest bid effort. Instead, the Town has accepted a bid from Municipal Waste Management (MWM) of Souris. This new deal will see MWM take over the collection of garbage and recycling materials until at least 2019. 

Read more: Council decision disappoints local company