Editor’s Note: Building the Future on Stable Ground

Good morning to our readers across the Red River North, Eastline, and Boreal Boundary. As we move into the latter half of February 2026, the theme across our region is one of preparation. Whether it is the physical breaking of river ice to prevent spring flooding or the legislative "breaking of ground" on new development plans, our municipalities are working overtime to ensure that the growth we are all witnessing is both safe and sustainable.

In Red River North, the focus is on the river and the road. As of February 17, provincial ice-breaking operations have officially begun. Three Amphibex units are now active on the 28km stretch between Netley Marsh and Selkirk. If you are an ice fisher or snowmobiler in the RM of St. Andrews or St. Clements, please take the warning signs seriously—the ice is now structurally compromised and highly unpredictable. On the planning front, residents in East St. Paul should note the upcoming February 24 hearing regarding development on Rebeck Road, a key site in our ongoing conversation about local density.

Moving to the Eastline, 2026 is rapidly becoming the "Year of the Utility." In Steinbach, Mayor Earl Funk has laid out a bold vision for the city's wastewater infrastructure, including the twinning of the force main along Park Road West. This is part of a massive $132-million expansion designed to ensure Steinbach can support its record-breaking housing growth well into the next decade. However, this week also brought a somber reminder of community resilience; our thoughts are with the Heartland Colony in the RM of Springfield. A devastating fire early Wednesday morning destroyed their central building, including the kitchen, laundry, and church. The coordinated response from Oakbank, Anola, Industrial Park, and Beausejour fire crews prevented further loss, though the building remains a total loss.

In the Boreal Boundary, community spirit was in high gear over the Louis Riel long weekend. The Beausejour Legion saw a massive turnout for its annual Winter Festival "Meat Bingo," a tradition that felt especially relevant this year as residents look for creative ways to tackle rising grocery costs. In the RM of Lac du Bonnet, a pivotal moment arrives on February 24 with the public hearing for the new "Growing Together" Development Plan. This is more than just a by-law; it is the blueprint for the next 10 years of life in the Boreal region. Finally, we wish the RM of Alexander luck in their search for a new Chief Administrative Officer—a role that will be instrumental in navigating the infrastructure challenges of the coming years.

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  1. Province Advises Ice-Jam Mitigation Underway on Red River:

    Annual ice-cutting and breaking operations began on February 17 between Selkirk and Netley Marsh. Residents, snowmobilers, and fishers are warned to stay off the ice as the province works to reduce the risk of spring ice-jam flooding.

    Source: Manitoba Government

  2. East Selkirk Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Key Facilities:

    The RM of St. Clements announced on February 17, 2026, that the boil water advisory for the East Selkirk Middle School and the Rec Association (Arena) has been rescinded after successful testing.

    Source: RM of St. Clements

  3. St. Clements Public Notice: Audited Financial Statements Released:

    The municipality has published its audited financial reports for the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years. These documents are available for public inspection at the East Selkirk municipal office.

    Source: RM of St. Clements

  4. Seven Oaks School Division: 2026-2027 Public Budget Consultation:

    The Board of Trustees invites community members to a public meeting regarding the 2026-27 school year. This is a vital opportunity to hear about funding provisions and share feedback on educational priorities.

    Source: RM of West St. Paul

  5. Province: $79.8 Million Increase in School Funding:

    The Manitoba government announced a major funding boost for the 2026-27 school year, including $15.2 million for capital projects like the new Meadowlands school in West St. Paul.

    Source: Manitoba Government

  6. St. Andrews Public Hearing: Closing of Public Reserve

    A public hearing was held on February 10 regarding By-Law #4422 for the closing of a public reserve. Residents can review the results and the recording of the hearing on the RM's YouTube channel.

    Source: RM of St. Andrews

  7. West St. Paul Seasonal Hiring Now Open:

    The RM posted a "We're Hiring" notice on February 12, 2026, seeking seasonal Public Works staff for the upcoming spring maintenance and drainage season.

    Source: RM of West St. Paul

  8. Selkirk RCMP Continue Search for Armed Robbery Suspect:

    RCMP are seeking a 6-foot-tall suspect involved in three armed robberies on Main Street in early February. Local businesses are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

    Source: RCMP Manitoba

  9. Bunge Provincial Curling Championship Results:

    Selkirk hosted the provincial men's title earlier this month. Team Braden Calvert claimed the championship on February 8, 2026, securing their spot in the national Brier.

    Source: Manitoba News 101

  10. West St. Paul: Community Sponsorship Intake Open:

    Applications for the 2026 community sponsorship intake opened on February 6. Local non-profits and event organizers are encouraged to apply for municipal support for upcoming projects.

    Source: RM of West St. Paul

  1. RM of Springfield: Fire Destroys Heartland Colony Central Building

    A major fire early Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, destroyed the central building at Heartland Colony on Briarcliff Road. All three Springfield fire halls, with backup from Beausejour, battled the 3:00 a.m. blaze that consumed the colony’s kitchen, church, and meeting spaces. While the building is a total loss, no injuries were reported, and the cause is currently being investigated by the Office of the Fire Commissioner.

    Source: SteinbachOnline

  2. Springfield Community Open House:

    Springfield is hosting a Municipal Open House this Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Oakbank Baptist Church. Council and staff will be on hand to discuss the 2026 budget and major upcoming capital projects.

    Source: RM of Springfield

  3. Major Planning Hearing for Springfield: Subdivision & Variances (Feb 26):

    A significant public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, to consider a major subdivision application and five separate zoning variances (26-04 through 26-06). This session will heavily impact future residential density in the RM.

    Source: RM of Springfield

  4. Richer LUD 2026 Budget Presentation:

    Residents of the Richer Local Urban District (LUD) are invited to the upcoming committee meeting to hear the presentation of the 2026 Budget and planned local improvements.

    Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  5. Hanover Community Service Meetings:

    Reeve and Council are holding "Community Service Meetings" throughout this upcoming April. The latest session information was posted on February 7, 2026, inviting residents to discuss local infrastructure needs directly with their ward councillors, and includes the locations and dates of these events.

    Source: RM of Hanover

  6. Steinbach Mayor’s 2026 Outlook: Record Growth & Wastewater Expansion:

    Mayor Earl Funk announced that 2026 will be a "pivotal year" for Steinbach. Key projects include twinning a major wastewater force main along Park Road West and applying for $132 million in funding to double the city’s wastewater capacity to support housing through 2032.

    Source: SteinbachOnline

  7. Hearing for RM of Ste. Anne: Conditional Use for Pelletier & Manning:

    Three major Conditional Use hearings (03-26, 04-26, and 05-26) are scheduled for February 25, 2026. These applications involve land-use changes that will affect development along Traverse Road and surrounding areas.

    Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  8. Grunthal Arena: $3.1 Million Upgrade Progress:

    Provincial funding has been confirmed for a major 10,000-square-foot addition to the Grunthal Arena. The project includes new dressing rooms and a modern lobby, with construction prep starting this month.

    Source: SteinbachOnline

  9. Regional Hostility Discussion: CAO Concerns

    The CAO of Taché was highlighted in a provincial discussion on February 17, 2026, regarding growing hostility toward municipal staff. The discussion stems from a targeted incident involving ward-specific threats made against local officials.

    Source: Fort Frances Times

  10. Rm of Piney Coffee with Council: Feb 24 & 26:

    The RM is hosting "Coffee with Council" on February 24 and 26, 2026. These informal sessions allow residents to discuss the 2026 budget and rural road maintenance directly with elected officials.

    Source: RM of Piney

  11. New Development Plan & Zoning By-Law Notice for RM of De Salaberry:

    The RM posted a significant notice on February 2, 2026, regarding the adoption of a new Development Plan and Zoning By-Law. This document will guide all growth in De Salaberry for the next decade.

    Source: Rm of De Salaberry

  12. Southeast Manitoba Festival (SEMF): 2026 Kickoff:

    The festival officially began this week on February 17, 2026. With over 700 entries, events are spread across satellite locations including the Evangelical Fellowship Church and the Southeast Event Centre.

    Source: Steinbach Arts Council

  13. Spring 2026 Grant Applications Open for RM of Ste. Anne:

    Non-profit organizations serving the RM of Ste. Anne can now apply for the spring grant intake. The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2026.

    Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  14. Hanover General Municipal Election 2026 (October 28):

    Hanover has officially launched its 2026 Election portal. The general election will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and the RM is currently seeking Senior Election Officials.

    Source: Rm of Hanover

  1. Lac du Bonnet - Major Development Plan Public Hearing (Feb 24):

    The Lac du Bonnet Planning District is holding a major public hearing on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Legion. The session covers the new "Growing Together" Development Plan, which will set land-use goals for the Town and RM for the next decade.

    Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  2. Lac du Bonnet - Variation & Conditional Use Hearing (Feb 25):

    Immediately following the development plan session, a second hearing on Wednesday, February 25, at 3:00 p.m. will address specific variance and conditional use applications for property owners within the planning district.

    Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  3. Missing Beausejour Senior Found Safe (Feb 18):

    A Silver Alert was issued and successfully cancelled yesterday morning. A 93-year-old Beausejour man was safely located by RCMP after going missing from his residence.springfir

    Source: CBC Manitoba

  4. Great Falls - Plumbing Notice for Residents:

    A general notice was issued to Great Falls residents on February 17, 2026, regarding specific plumbing requirements and infrastructure maintenance currently being monitored by the municipality.

    Source: RM of Alexander

  5. Sunrise School Division - Regional Job Fair (Mar 18):

    A regional job fair was announced on February 9, 2026, to be held in Beausejour. The division is hiring for various positions across all Boreal Boundary schools, including Lac du Bonnet and Pine Falls.

    Source: Sunrise School Division

  6. RM of Alexander - Unauthorized Firewood Cutting Warning:

    The Municipality issued a stern notice on February 11, 2026, regarding unauthorized firewood cutting on Hill Road. Residents are reminded that permits are required for any wood removal on municipal land.

    Source: RM of Alexander

  7. Lac du Bonnet - Wood Duck Boat Launch Dredging:

    A special meeting was held earlier this month to award tenders for the Wood Duck Boat Launch dredging project. This work is prioritized to ensure boat access for the 2026 summer season.

    Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  8. Beausejour Winter Festival & "Meat Bingo" Success:

    On Louis Riel Day (February 16, 2026), over 100 residents packed the Beausejour Legion for the annual "Meat Bingo," a highlight of the town's larger Winter Festival. Mayor Ray Schirle noted the event’s massive popularity due to current grocery costs.

    Source: CTV News

  9. Town of Beausejour - Summer Student Hiring:

    The Town officially opened applications on January 30, 2026, for summer student positions in public works and recreation. The intake remains active through late February.

    Source: Town of Beausejour

  10. Reynolds Class of 2026 - Bursary Program Applications Open:

    Reynolds students can now apply for the 2026 municipal bursary program. Applications were officially released on February 2, 2026, to support graduating seniors.

    Source: RM of Reynolds

  11. RM of Alexander - CAO and Public Works Manager Recruitment:

    The Municipality issued two major leadership recruitment notices on February 17, 2026. They are currently seeking a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and a Public Works Manager to lead the 2026 infrastructure season.

    Source: RM of Alexander

  12. RM of Brokenhead 2026 Equipment Rental Quotes:

    The RM is currently accepting quotes from contractors for hourly equipment rates for the 2026 construction season. The deadline for submissions is February 27, 2026.

    Source: RM of Brokenhead

  13. Rm of Reynolds Equipment & Materials Quotes 2026/2027:

    The RM of Reynolds posted a request for quotes on February 2, 2026, for gravel, culverts, and heavy equipment rentals for the upcoming two-year infrastructure cycle.

    Source: RM of Reynolds

Do you have an event you'd like to share? If you are hosting a community market, fundraiser, festival, or public meeting in the River North, Eastman, or Boreal & Boundary regions, please send us the details (Event Name, Location, Date, Time, and a brief description) to be featured in an upcoming issue! Email [email protected].

Please confirm all dates, times, and locations with the organizing body or municipality, as events are subject to change.

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