Vita Teen Reflects on Sleep Out
Annexation Deal Finalized By Marianne Curtis Councils for both the R M of Hanover and the City of Steinbach have given formal approval to an annexation agreement for 73.94 acres along McKenzie Avenue West. The historic agreement lays out the framework for an unprecedented level of cooperation between the two jurisdictions. Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen Candace Maxymowich spent a night under the stars during the CEO Sleep out held recently in support of homeless shelters and supportive programming.
“Reaching an amicable agreement on land annexation is an accomplishment of which both our councils can be very proud.” explained that the agreement was reached though a logical and orderly process. “This historic agreement between the RM of Hanover and the City of Steinbach is a great example of how neighboring municipalities can work together for the good of the region,” said Goertzen. “These types of agreements, though often difficult to achieve, are key to the success of the southeast region and its economy. Both the City and Hanover will benefit from this historic agreement.” The proposed land for annexation, which currently belongs to Hanover, is situated along McKenzie Avenue West, south of Steinbach’s Parkhill subdivision and west of the Meadows subdivision. Hanover Reeve Stan Toews added that the land deal would benefit both the municipality and the city. “Reaching an amicable agreement on land annexation is an accomplishment of which both our
By Marianne Curtis
Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen and Hanover Reeve Stan Toews sign historical land agreement.
councils can be very proud,” said Toews. “Our region is stronger when we work together to plan for and manage our future growth.” The annexation will allow the City of Steinbach to address the current shortage of land for urban development within its boundaries. The RM of Hanover will receive one percent of the gross municipal taxes, less local improvements on the lands being annexed commencing the year after the land is subdivided and continuing for 16 years. The proposed agreement will now be forwarded to the Province for approval. This is only the sixth annexation to take place in Steinbach since its incorporation in 1947. The last one happened in 1979.
Nineteen-year-old Candace Maxymowich from Vita was among 50 CEOs and community leaders who spent the night sleeping under the stars to raise awareness about homelessness and poverty issues. Maxymowich was among the group during the night of September 27 when they camped out at the corner of Portage Avenue and Main Street in Winnipeg. The young woman, who grew up in the small community of Vita, said the night was an eye opener. “Several homeless people came to spend the night with us and engaged us in dialogue sharing their stories and challenges,” Maxymowich said. “The Change for the Better CEO Sleep out is a great initiative and I’m glad I was able to participate.” The 2nd annual CEO Sleep out event supported Change for the Better, a program that helps people who are homeless get off the street into permanent paid employment and a healthier environment. Prior to the event the group raised $111,595 to employ homeless people. Donations will continue to be accepted to reach the initial goal of $150,000. “A lot of people live pay cheque to pay cheque. One life-changing event can have a devastating impact,” notes Maxymowich. Since 1992, over $235,000 has been raised and 100% of all donations support programs like Siloam Mission’s Mission: Off the Streets Team (MOST), which employs people who are homeless to help enhance the image and cleanliness of downtown Winnipeg while building life skills that may help participants get a full time job. Siloam Mission, Graffiti Art Programming and Red Road Lodge received proceeds from last year’s CEO Sleep out event.