2020 Updates

• In June we were notified of our successful application for a grant from the Province of Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage Historic – Resources Branch, which we are grateful for the support that they have given us. The grant is a 50/50 cost share to install Heritage Interpretive signs in the park. Due to COVID-19 there was a delay of gathering information and photographs for the signage but we are happy to update that they are now produced and will be installed in the spring of 2021. See copies of the digital signs below:

• It is our mission to create an environment that fosters the growth and wellbeing of all ages, families and organizations that builds community spirit and growth, as well as promotes the protection of the environment.  This will be achieved in part with the 10 acre St. Clements Park which will provide a place for recreation and a place to connect with nature.

With the support of donors we are very excited to make our park an outstanding community space.  With your help, we can do it.  Donors can support the development of the St. Clements Activity Centre and Park with all donations over $50.00 receiving a tax receipt.

If you wish to make a donation and have questions or if you would like to reach out further to discuss donor recognition, please contact recreation@rmofstclements.com.

• The St. Clements Activity Centre and Park site has seen some big developments this fall, as we move towards a park that will benefit the residents for years to come. This includes the parking lot nearing completion and the pond dug.

The park development has now ceased for the winter and we still have components to finish next spring. As soon as we are able to get on the site, the development will continue. In the spring you can expect to see the pond filled, interpretive signs placed, playground installed as well as the parking lot and path completed.

Presently, the park development is not ready or safe for use. We kindly request that the public refrain from using the site. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

• As mentioned earlier in the year, the RM of St. Clements is very excited to begin work at the site on Donald Road for the St. Clements Activity Centre and Park.  You will begin to notice the site humming with landscaping and site preparation as we begin Phase 2 as early as Monday, September 14, 2020.   There will be machinery on site working from 7:00 am till 7:00 pm for an estimated period of two weeks, weather permitting.

It is important that we provide our residents an update in advance on the construction but also confirm that the traffic on Donald Road will not be affected with this construction.

The work being completed includes the parking lot and landscaping, which will provide a canvas for the other amenities and structures that will be added as we move forward.  We are very excited to continue the momentum around this huge project and thank the community for their support and understanding in these upcoming weeks.

• We applied for the Gunns Creek Diversion Project with the Province of Manitoba for the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region Disaster Prevention and Climate Resiliency Program. On July 23, 2020 the Province of Manitoba announced the approval of 100% funding for $2.7 million towards the Gunns Creek Diversion Project, there is NO municipal contribution required. This project is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2021, unless extenuating circumstances occur.

The retention pond portion of the drainage project will be located at the future site of the St Clements Community Building. Council’s exciting vision is to utilize the necessary retention pond to create a safe welcoming space where citizens can gather, meet and participate in activities. The final product will include aesthetic park landscaping and amenities such as trails, benches, and a floating island. Residents will have opportunities here for quiet reflection, unstructured play, walking, bike riding, walking pets, kayaking, canoeing, tobogganing, skating on the pond, and cross country skiing.

• The St. Clements Activity Centre has been a work in progress – with work constantly being done to secure funding and a strong focus on the next step forward.  Council is very excited to have a vision for the park portion of the project at the St. Clements Activity Centre, which will be able to host a variety of activities for the community such as a pathway for walking and jogging, a pond for ice skating in the winter, kayaking and canoeing in the summer and a rest area around the pond for relaxation.  Amenities will continue to be added to the park as we move forward, such as a playground, basketball court and picnic shelter.

The following Phase 1 items have been completed to date on the park and activity centre:

1. Class 3 drawings have been completed on the activity centre
2. Applications for major funding has been made to Manitoba/Canada Infrastructure for construction
3. Park plans have been refined and detailed site plans have been completed
4. Tender documents have been completed for shaping the park
5. Drainage license for the site has been obtained

On Friday, June 12^th a Provincial funding announcement of the Building Communities Grant of $75,000 for the St. Clements Activity Centre was held at the site.

This summer and fall you will see the site on Donald Rd humming with landscaping and site preparation activity for Phase 2.  A tender will be released and awarded for shaping the park as per plans and the excavation and site grading will begin.  Construction of an approximate 22 car parking lot at the northern end of the site at Donald Road will also begin in Phase 2 this fall with the possibility to increase this area as the project continues.

We are very excited and hope that the community will continue the momentum around this huge project!