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My Take on Snow Lake – May 31, 2019

Museum celebrates Mining Week
From left to right, Snow Lake Mining Museum curator Dori Forsyth, Wanda Huff, and museum board chair
From left to right, Snow Lake Mining Museum curator Dori Forsyth, Wanda Huff, and museum board chairperson Paul Hawman.

The history of the community of Snow Lake is vast and varied … much of it is housed within the four walls and detailed confines of a local Star Attraction, the Snow Lake Mining Museum. Once a garage sheltering the buses used to ferry workers to the subterranean depths of area mines, it now displays the historical fruits of their labour.

With its underground exhibits, equipment displays, rock and mineral collections and reams of related papers, photos and articles, the museum may not be one of a kind … but undeniably, there is nothing quite like it!

Breaking somewhat of an attendance record, the local treasure was on display last Friday during the museum’s eighth-annual celebration of provincial Mining Week. A total of 207 people visited during the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., taking part in a penny parade, several draws, a hot dog or two, drinks/coffee and cake.

During the formal part of the event, Mayor Peter Roberts was asked to say a few words. “It sounds like the museum had another successful year in 2018,” said the mayor. “Hopefully this year will be even bigger and better.” He related a discussion he’d just had with a resident who had never visited the museum … noting it is a place all Snow Lakers should be proud of. Roberts then presented museum board chairperson Paul Hawman with a cheque from the town in the amount of $7,500 (which is their yearly grant and provided as working capital). Hawman accepted the cheque, thanking the mayor and advised of several other significant donations from corporate sponsors that had been received during the week. They were: $1,000 from Hudbay Minerals, $1,000 from MacLean Engineering, $1,000 from Rockcliff Metals Corporation, $1,000 from Epiroc, $500 from Dyno Nobel and $500 from Dumas Mining, Propane for the lunch came from Stittco Energy, the loan of the PA system from the Senior Centre, and all of the hot dogs, buns and drinks for the event, plus the provision of two members to cook, came from USW Local 7106. “Our sincere ‘thank you’ for this support that enables us to preserve Snow Lake’s mining history and provide things like children’s programming, Rock Doctor Day, interactive exhibits, and Seniors Day,” said Hawman. “Our thanks, also, to the local individuals and businesses who donated to our Penny Parade, which raised $790 for the museum and provided a bit of fun and excitement to our event. And of course to our volunteers, who help in so many ways, both at this event and throughout the year – we couldn’t do it without you!”

Following this, a beautiful cake, made by Wanda Huff, was cut and handed out and people were urged to mill about and view the numerous exhibits.

In discussion with Hawman afterwards, he advised that a couple of the newer acquisitions by the museum were a geological hooping instrument that was accessed through Jim Parres, a couple of the first letters sent via air mail to and from Herb Lake in August of 1937, as well as a never-before-seen postcard from the once bustling hamlet. He also pointed out an oil painting of prospector Walter Johnson, which was donated by Margie Harris.

In other news, the Town of Snow Lake had several announcements in the past week in respect to initiatives they are undertaking. Firstly, during their last regular meeting, the town advised they have submitted a list of community water and sewer projects to be considering by the Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) in the next two to four years. It was noted that the town advised the MWSB they, last year, submitted an expression of interest to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (lCIP) for phase three of the town’s infrastructure renewal program. The town requested $3 million in project funding from ICIP; however, have not been informed of project approval or status. The town further advised the MWSB that they have funding resources for their share of any project costs in place.

Also at that meeting, council moved ahead with a plan to build a new beach house at Sunset Bay Beach. They passed a resolution authorizing their CAO to contract Thompson-based engineer Keith Derksen to do the final engineered drawings for the beach house project at a cost of $1,300 plus taxes. That money and eventual construction costs will be borne by the building reserve fund.

As well, the town announced on Monday, May 27 that they are currently accepting tenders for curbside garbage and recycling pickup from all residential and commercial properties within the town. Sealed tenders marked curbside garbage and recycling pickup will be received by the community’s CAO at the Town Office, located at 113 Elm Street Snow Lake, MB R0B 1M0 until Monday, June 10 at 3 p.m. The town was once served by a garbage contractor; however, it was taken over by the town several years back. This tender will see it once again revert to a contractor.

Finally, I just received word that a local man, Ron Scott has received the Order of Military Merit award. The Order of Military Merit is a military honour for merit that is, within the Canadian system of honours, the second highest order administered by the governor general-in-council, on behalf of the Canadian monarch. Created in 1972, the Order of Military Merit recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, both regular and reserve. Community congratulations to Ron!

 

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