News briefs

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/01/2018 (2857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Collaboration sparks exhibition
The Portage & District Arts Centre is displaying More than just the art, an exhibition curated by Pauline Braun, of Winnipeg, and Audrey Lute, of Gilbert Plains, Man., until Sat., Feb. 17.
The idea for this exhibit started with Braun and Lute sharing ideas, and features works by 52 different artists including Portage la Prairie artist Lee Beaton. A website https://itsmorethanjusttheart.weebly.com and a print-on-demand book are also part of the project.

The opening reception is on Thurs., Jan. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the PDAC gallery, 11-2nd St. NE, Portage la Prairie.

For more information, call 204-239-6029 or email pdac@mts.net

SFX bridge being rebuilt
Drivers passing through St. Francois Xavier on the Trans-Canada Highway have to slow down when crossing the Assiniboine River until the late fall.

The bridge’s westbound section, which spans the river, is being rebuilt. Westbound vehicles are directed to the right-hand lane of the bridge’s eastbound section, with eastbound traffic also restricted to one lane in a reduced speed zone.

According to information from Manitoba Infrastructure, the new bridge will replace the westbound lanes which have reached the end of their original design life.

“The bridge has attained its original 50-year design life and is now exhibiting deterioration in the concrete deck and cracking of the girders. In addition, the foundation spread footings are susceptible to erosion underneath during large flood events. For all of these reasons, it was determined that the structure needs to be replaced.”

The new bridge will feature a wider bridge deck, increasing from 8.6 to 11.9 metres, and a concrete curb with steel railing. The bridge length will also be increased to facilitate new pier construction as well as to minimize any geotechnical issues with the river bank slopes and to accommodate peak river flood flows. The roadway at the west end of the bridge will be raised and modified to improve bridge drainage.

The project is scheduled to be completed by November. Currently the overall project cost is estimated to be about $10 million.

Headingley’s 2017 growth
A total of 703 municipal permits (development, building, plumbing, sewer and water, lot grading, occupancy) were issued by Headingley’s planning and permits department in 2017, according to a report by Headingley development officer Ray Muller.

The total number of permits included 30 issued for single family dwellings, 208 for ready-to-move homes, six for townhouse buildings (42 units), 20 for commercial buildings plus 36 pool, deck, garage, sunroom and miscellaneous other permits. The total estimated construction value as stated on the permits by the contractors was $29 million.

Provincial assessment will determine real values once they assess the individual properties.
The total amount of permit revenue for 2016 was $172,805.

Muller noted that he anticipates that a similar number of permits will be issued in 2018.

— Staff