Neepawa's set their priorities for the future, now that they've approved their new strategic plan. Mayor Adrian de Groot says the document was given final approval at this week's council meeting, adding they decided to take a different approach than the usual strategic plans. De Groot says the major difference is that their plan creates broad goals that provide direction for the municipal government, rather than creating a to-do list.

"What we wanted to do is develop more of a living plan. One that we measure ourselves against, and have our constituents measure us against the plan. A lot of the times you put together a plan that kind of sits there. It's nice in principal, you have fun putting it together and it's all the right words, but then it gets pushed to the side."

He describe's the town's previous plan as quite lengthy, but says this short, broad plan will provide many more benefits than the last document. He says while the plan outlines the priorities council should be kept in mind, the action taken will change each year. De Groot feels the approach to the plan will ensure current and future councillors can have a direction already set for them.

"Hopefully this plan transcends multiple councils, so they don't have to go back and think of the strategy, but they might have to make sure they're working on the actions that support the goals. The goals are fairly broad, well-managed growth, sustainable infrastructure, economic prosperity, and fiscal responsibility."

He notes the specifics of the plan, such as road improvements or development initiatives, would be addressed each year individually.