Federal Transit Funding Activation in Selkirk

Starting this month, the City of Selkirk is moving into the "action phase" of the 10-year federal transit funding agreement. While the deal was signed in 2025, the January 2026 rollout focuses on infrastructure upgrades, including new climate-controlled shelters and fleet maintenance. This is part of a larger plan to keep fares frozen while expanding service to high-growth areas like the new Canadian Tire development.

→ Source: Selkirk Transit

Selkirk: New Year "Winter Wellness" Launch

Shared Health and the City of Selkirk have launched a "Winter Wellness" page to help residents navigate the rise in Influenza A cases. The guide provides localized info on where to seek urgent care versus primary care, aimed at reducing the surge of non-emergency visits to the Selkirk General Hospital ER this January.

→ Source: Shared Health Manitoba

St. Andrews Breezy Point Road Public Hearing

The Red River Planning District has set a major public hearing for January 13, 2026, regarding land use on Breezy Point Road. This is a sensitive topic for local residents as it involves "Conditional Use" permits that could impact the density of the area and its flood-plain management.

→ Source: Red River Planning District

West St. Paul Zoning Variance Hearings

A cluster of public hearings is scheduled for January 8, 2026, regarding variances on Rossmore Ave and Linden Lane. These are key indicators of the continued "in-fill" housing trend in West St. Paul, where older large lots are being optimized for new residential builds.

→ Source: Red River Planning District

Interlake-Eastern RHA: New ER Construction

The IERHA has confirmed that construction management tenders have been awarded for the E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital emergency department redevelopment. While full construction begins in February, early site preparation and "safety hoarding" will start in January 2026. This $8.6-million project will modernize emergency flow for the entire Interlake region.

→ Source: ReNew Canada

West St. Paul 2026 Council Schedule & Wastewater Update

The RM has officially released its 2026 meeting calendar, notably cancelling the Jan 6 meeting to allow for administrative planning. However, a major priority for the January 22 meeting is the multi-year Wastewater Project. This project is critical for the RM to continue supporting the rapid housing developments in the Parkview Pointe area without overwhelming current lagoon capacity.

→ Source: RM of West St. Paul

St. Clements Malanka 2026 Celebration

Tickets are now on sale for the St. Clements Malanka (Ukrainian New Year) taking place on January 24, 2026, at the East Selkirk Hall. This is a massive cultural event for the municipality, featuring traditional food, dancing, and community awards. Tickets are $65 and historically sell out by the second week of January.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

East St. Paul Water/Wastewater Utility Amalgamation

As of January 1, 2026, the RM has officially merged its water and wastewater utilities. This is not just a "paper change"; it allows the RM to pool reserve funds for major infrastructure repairs. Residents will see a streamlined "Utility" line on their first quarterly bill of the year rather than two separate charges.

→ Source: RM of East St. Paul

St. Clements: 2026 "Connect" App Relaunch

The RM is pushing a major adoption campaign for the St. Clements Connect alert system this January. With winter storms becoming more frequent, the RM is moving away from social media updates and toward direct text/voice alerts for road closures and garbage pickup delays.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

St. Andrews: Unit 230 Public Hearing

The municipality will hold another public hearing on January 13, 2026, regarding a "Conditional Use" permit for Unit 230 at 5759 PTH No. 9. This involves a business expansion that requires specific municipal approval to ensure it aligns with local zoning for the Highway 9 commercial corridor.

→ Source: Red River Planning District

West St. Paul School Winter Concert Rescheduled

Due to the December storms, the West St. Paul School (Grades 5-8) Winter Concert has been officially rescheduled for Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The performance will take place at the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre (SOPAC) at 6:30 PM. This is a major community event for local families returning from the winter break.

→ Source: 7 Oaks School Division

East St. Paul: Monthly CSO Activity Report

The East St. Paul Community Safety Officers (CSOs) will be releasing their December activity report in the first week of January. Preliminary notices suggest a focus on winter road safety enforcement and commercial vehicle weight checks on Gateway Road to protect municipal infrastructure from frost-related damage.

Source: RM of East St. Paul

St. Clements: Curbside Waste Provider Transition

The RM has officially announced that a new curbside collection provider will take over on February 1, 2026. While pickup zones and days are expected to stay the same for now, residents are being warned to watch for new contact information for missed bins and large-item pickups. The RM is stressing that the transition is aimed at cost-efficiency and service reliability.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

Selkirk District Community Foundation Grant Deadline Approaching

The Selkirk District Community Foundation (SDCF), which serves Selkirk, St. Clements, and St. Andrews, has a major grant intake deadline on February 28, 2026. Local non-profits and community groups should begin preparing their applications now.

→ Source: SDCF Grant Notices

RM of St. Clements Council Meeting & Planning Meeting Set for January

The RM of St. Clements Council has set its first major meeting of the new year for Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Regular Council Meeting starts at 9:30 AM, followed by a separate Planning Meeting at 6:00 PM.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

Suspicious Death Investigation In St. Malo

On the morning of December 24, 2025, St. Pierre-Jolys RCMP responded to a residence in St. Malo where a 55-year-old female was found unresponsive. Officers confirmed she was deceased upon arrival. The Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services has taken over the investigation, as the death is being treated as suspicious. Forensic Identification Services are also assisting. Police are asking anyone with information to call 204-433-7908.

→ Source: Manitoba RCMP

Fatal Snowmobile Collision In La Broquerie

Steinbach RCMP are investigating a tragic incident from December 26, 2025. A 39-year-old male from the RM of La Broquerie died after his snowmobile collided with a tractor on private property on Carriere Drive W. Alcohol is not currently believed to be a factor.

→ Source: Steinbach Online

Southeast Library Project Collapses

In a major blow to regional cooperation, the RMs of Ste. Anne, Piney, and Ritchot, along with the Town of Ste. Anne, have all officially pulled out of the proposed regional library system. This leaves Steinbach and Niverville as the only remaining members of the original working group. The future of a unified southeastern library card or shared resource system is now highly uncertain for 2026.

→ Source: The Carillon

Ritchot: Grande Pointe Geese Removal Halted

The RM has issued an urgent update regarding the avian influenza outbreak in the Grande Pointe Meadows retention pond. Following a failed retrieval attempt on Dec 9 due to safety risks, the RM and Provincial Wildlife staff have decided that submerged carcasses will remain frozen in the pond until the spring melt. Crucially: All activities on the pond (skating/hockey) are strictly prohibited for the rest of the winter due to the presence of fecal matter and carcasses on the ice.

→ Source: RM of Ritchot

Springfield: Massive Planning Hearing (Jan 21)

The RM of Springfield is preparing for a marathon planning session on January 21, 2026. Council has scheduled back-to-back public hearings for no fewer than six zoning variances (25-48 through 25-54) and three conditional use applications. This represents one of the largest single-day development reviews in recent years, affecting properties across Oakbank and Dugald.

→Source: RM of Springfield

Oakbank: Water Infrastructure Update

The RM’s Water and Waste Department is currently overseeing the final phases of a multi-year infrastructure project. While specific daily closures are pushed out via the Springfield Connect app, the department has confirmed that operational teams (6 certified operators) are working on major system reports and upgrades throughout January to meet provincial drinking water standards.

→Source: RM of Springfield

RM Of Springfield T.I.P.P Program Enrolment

Property and business owners in Springfield can simplify their 2026 budgeting by enrolling in the Tax Installment Payment Plan (T.I.P.P.), which replaces the single annual tax bill with twelve automatic monthly withdrawals. To be eligible for the new year, 2025 property taxes must be paid in full, and payments are debited from a chequing account on the 15th of each month. While the final deadline to join the program for 2026 is April 30, residents who apply after January 9 will be required to make a lump-sum "catch-up" payment to cover the start of the year.

→Source: RM of Springfield

Steinbach: 2026 Tax & TIPP Adjustments

With the 2026 Assessment Roll now certified, the City of Steinbach is reminding residents that January marks the first month for adjusted Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) withdrawals. While the window to appeal the 2026 assessment closed in late 2025, property owners who saw significant valuation changes on their recent notices will see those reflected in their monthly payments starting this month.

→ Source: City of Steinbach

Steinbach 2026 Garbage & Recycling Rollout

The City of Steinbach has completed the mailing of the 2026 Collection Schedules. Residents are reminded that while schedules are now in homes, holiday shifts are in effect: there is no collection on Jan 1. The city is also highlighting that "Winter Hours" are now in effect at the landfill (8am–5pm weekdays; 9am–4pm Saturdays).

→ Source: City of Steinbach

Hanover: 2026 Business License Enforcement

The RM of Hanover is reminding all local business owners that their 2026 Municipal Business Licenses are due for renewal. The RM uses this registry to ensure commercial operations are compliant with local zoning and to maintain an emergency contact list for the fire department. Renewals can be processed through the Hanover administration office or via their online permit portal.

→ Source: RM of Hanover

Taché (Lorette): 2026 Council Kickoff

The RM of Taché has confirmed its first legislative meetings of the year. The LUD of Lorette and LUD of Landmark committees will both meet on January 6, 2026, followed by the first full Council meeting on January 13. A key priority for the new year is the stabilization of evening bookings at the Lorette Community Complex.

Source: RM of Taché

Hanover: New Variance Fee Structure

As of January 1, 2026, the RM of Hanover has implemented a revised fee structure for planning hearings. The $400 fee now applies to each separate change requested in a variance application, rather than a flat fee for the entire application. This is aimed at recovering the administrative costs of complex multi-part development requests.

→ Source: RM of Hanover

RM of De Salaberry Subdivision Meeting (Jan 6)

The RM of De Salaberry has called a public meeting for January 6, 2026, to discuss a new subdivision file (4119-25-9202). This meeting is the first major development step of the year for the municipality and could impact land-use patterns on the outskirts of St. Malo.

→ Source: RM of De Salaberry

Ste. Anne: "Burning Trash" Enforcement Blitz

The RM of Ste. Anne has issued a stern warning that burning household trash is strictly prohibited and subject to a minimum $500 fine. Council noted that even a "simple" fire response can cost the taxpayer over $1,000, and they will be billing property owners directly for emergency resource deployment in the new year.

→ Source: RM of Ste. Anne

Ritchot (Ste. Agathe): Winter Arena Readiness

The RM of Ritchot has confirmed that the Ste. Agathe Arena is operating at full capacity following holiday maintenance. The ice plant and geothermal systems are monitored daily to ensure the surface is ready for the heavy tournament load starting this week. Residents are reminded to check the arena’s live calendar for "Sticks and Pucks" sessions which resume Jan 6.

→ Source: Ste. Agathe Arena

Steinbach: Youth Rec Hockey Registration

Registration for the Winter 2026 Youth Recreation Hockey season for kids aged 7–16 is now active. This non-competitive program is designed to get kids on the ice without the pressure of league play. Parents are reminded that they must confirm previous lesson outcomes on their accounts before finalizing registration.

→ Source: City of Steinbach

Niverville: New CRRC Climbing Wall Hours

Starting January 5, 2026, the Niverville Community Resource and Recreation Centre (CRRC) is implementing new "Open Climb" hours for the winter season. The wall will be available for drop-ins on Monday and Wednesday evenings to accommodate the surge in indoor recreation demand during the school break.

→ Source: Niverville Recreation

St. Malo: Winter Programming Launch

The Rat River Recreation Commission has kicked off its 2026 winter session. Key highlights include Chair Yoga at St. Malo School starting January 7, and the "Kreative Kids" art program (ages 5-12). These programs are part of a localized effort to increase indoor recreation options while the provincial park focuses on outdoor winter trails.

→ Source: Rat River Recreation

School Bus Safety Legislation

MLA Wayne Ewasko has introduced a foundational shift in student safety with Bill 220, which proposes phasing in mandatory three-point seatbelts on school buses starting in 2026. Inspired by advocacy from a Lac du Bonnet resident, the bill also seeks to increase fines for motorists who pass buses with flashing lights to $2,500. This legislation is a top priority for the region's 2026 legislative session.

→ Source: CBC News

Beausejour Zoning By-Law Overhaul

The Town of Beausejour is moving into the final stages of its Zoning By-Law Project. In early 2026, the town will implement new rules aimed at increasing housing density, including allowing secondary suites in all single-detached homes and creating a new "Commercial General" zone to bridge the gap between downtown shops and highway-scale businesses.

→ Source: Town of Beausejour Planning

Pine Falls Health Complex Firebreak

The Municipality of Alexander has confirmed the completion of a strategic firebreak around the Pine Falls Health Complex. This preventative measure involved clearing a defensible space to protect critical medical infrastructure from boreal wildfire risks—a high priority for Mayor Les Barclay following the increased fire activity in late 2025.

→ Source: Town of Powerview-Pine Falls

Tyndall-Garson Area Utility Rate Increase

The RM of Brokenhead has officially filed an application with the Public Utilities Board for a significant adjustment to water and sewer rates in the Tyndall-Garson area. As of January 2026, residents should prepare for potential billing changes as the municipality seeks to stabilize the long-term funding for these local utility systems.

→ Source: RM of Brokenhead

Reynolds Non-Profit Training Deadline

The RM of Reynolds is promoting a 75% financial support grant for local non-profits with budgets under $1M. The deadline for this training support—which covers governance, volunteer management, and digital marketing—is January 15, 2026. This is a rare opportunity for local small-scale organizations to invest in their growth.

→ Source: RM of Reynolds

Whitemouth New Fire Department By-Laws

The RM of Whitemouth has officially enacted By-Law 703-20, formalizing the organizational structure of the municipal fire department for 2026. This move, alongside the reopening of the municipal office on January 5, sets the stage for a focus on emergency service modernization in the coming year.

→ Source: RM of Whitemouth

RM Of Brokenhead Climate Adaptation Meeting

The RM of Brokenhead has rescheduled its community kickoff event for the "Building Climate Resilience in Brokenhead" initiative to January 14, 2026. Hosted at the Garson Centennial Community Centre from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the session invites residents to discuss local climate projections and to help identify vulnerabilities in municipal infrastructure and agriculture. This proactive project aims to move the municipality beyond reactive emergency management by developing a formal Climate Adaptation Plan that addresses long-term risks like flooding, drought, and biodiversity loss.

→ Source: RM of Brokenhead

Lac du Bonnet 2026 Development Plan Draft

Public consultations are now open for the 2026 Draft Amended Development Plan and Zoning By-Law. This document will guide land use for the next decade in Lac du Bonnet, with a specific focus on short-term rentals and shoreline protection, topics that have sparked significant debate in recent council meetings.

→ Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet Planning

Seven Sisters Falls Gun Range Security Crackdown

The Seven Sisters Falls Wildlife Association has introduced zero-tolerance security measures effective January 1, 2026. All members are now required to sign a formal safety declaration before accessing the range property. To combat rule violations, the association has installed 24-hour video surveillance and announced that any breach of regulations will result in an immediate, permanent membership revocation with no warnings. Additionally, guests are no longer permitted on the range without prior written approval from the Board of Directors.

→ Source: Seven Sisters Falls Wildlife Association

Tyndall-Garson Area Waste and Recycling Sticker Transition

Residents in the LUD of Tyndall-Garson are reminded that the 2025 orange garbage stickers officially expired on December 31. As of January 6, 2026, the new green 2026 stickers must be used for all curbside collection. Registered property owners can pick up their new stickers at the RM of Brokenhead office. Those having someone else collect stickers on their behalf must call the office in advance to verify the name of the individual.

→ Source: RM of Brokenhead

Great Falls Water Plant Update

The Municipality of Alexander has confirmed that the Great Falls Water Fill Station is back to regular operations as of early January. Residents who rely on the fill station for potable water are reminded that the Great Falls plant is a key node for local water security while smaller estates remain under periodic boil water advisories.

→ Source: Municipality of Alexander

Beausejour Water Treatment Plant Demolition

The Town of Beausejour has issued a Request for Proposal (2025-10) for the demolition of its former Water Treatment Plant and associated structures. This project is a key component of the town’s 2026 infrastructure revitalization plan, clearing the way for potential redevelopment of the site. Bidding closed in late December, and council is expected to announce the winning contractor and a demolition timeline in the coming weeks.

→ Source: Town of Beausejour

RM Of Alexander 2026 Council Meeting Schedule

The Municipality of Alexander has officially released its legislative calendar for 2026. Council will continue its tradition of holding meetings twice monthly on Tuesdays at the Council Chambers in St. Georges. Governance meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM, followed by regular meetings at 1:00 PM. A second regular meeting will occur on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM. These sessions remain open to the public and are a primary source for local infrastructure and policy updates.

→ Source: Municipality of Alexander