Today, Senator Denise Batters announced support for the Vibank Heritage Centre energy efficiency upgrade. This upgrade includes the installation of energy efficient boilers, replacement of the original windows and repairs to the roof. "The Federal Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund has allowed the Village of Vibank to make necessary improvements to the 90-year-old Vibank Heritage Centre," said Tracey Schaffer, Mayor of Vibank. "With this funding, the centre's function and history can continue for our residents into the future."

Picture of Mayor Tracey Schaffer with Senator Denise Batters

With the excessive amount of snow we’ve received this winter, we are anticipating a significant amount of spring run-off that could cause flooding and other issues. The Village of Vibank has been preparing for the spring melt and working to minimize the impact the spring runoff will have.  We encourage residents to guard against spring melt in their basements.  Here are some tips to help lessen or eliminate the impacts to your home:

1. Check your roof for ice damming. If excessive ice has formed, carefully chip the ice away from eaves.

2.  Shovel or remove snow from around your home and move it to a position where melt water will drain away from the foundation.  With warmer weather on the way, this is a task that should be done sooner rather than later.

3.  Clear channels in the ice/snow to allow melt water to drain away more effectively from your home.

4.  Ensure downspouts are extended so they discharge rain or melt water a minimum of two meters distance from your home to avoid it draining back towards your foundation.

5.  Check to make sure your sump pump is working. If you don’t have a sump pump, consider purchasing one. Sump pumps can be purchased at a number of retailers including Canadian Tire, Peavey Mart, Home Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s or Rona.

6.  Check your basement regularly for signs of water and consider installing a mainline Sewer Backwater Valve to protect against sewer backup.

7.  Keep basement sewer caps in place.

8.  Ensure your home emergency preparedness kit is stocked and ready to use if necessary. For additional information on making your emergency preparedness kit can be found at www.getprepared.gc.ca

When clearing snow away from your property, please be conscious of your neighbours! Reducing your risk should not create increased risk for someone else.

For those residents using a skid steer or other mechanical means of moving snow – please refrain from creating piles or adding to piles in the Village. Should you need to pile a significant amount of snow, please move it to the sports grounds on the west side of the village. As these are our sports fields this site will only be open while freezing conditions exist. Please DO NOT drive out there if it is melting as this may wreck our fields.  If you are unsure where to dump excess snow or would like to know if the site is still open to use, please contact Jeanette or Ronda at 306-762-2130 during office hours which are Monday – Friday 8 a.m.- 5:15p.m.

Work is already underway to prepare for the spring melt. The ditches will be blown out to allow for drainage and all catch basins are being cleared.