Editor’s Note: Navigating Change and Supporting One Another

Good morning to our readers across the Red River North, Eastline, and Boreal Boundary. As we move through the final days of January 2026, our communities are balancing a sense of rapid growth with the quiet strength that defines life in rural Manitoba.

The week has been marked by a profound sense of loss following the tragic head-on collision on Highway 8 on January 27. The loss of two young women from the Interlake and Gimli areas is a heartbreak felt by every neighbour in the Red River North. It is a somber reminder to hold our loved ones close and to drive with extra care as we navigate the remainder of this winter season.

In The Eastline, we are seeing a major shift in how our local landscape is managed. The RM of Springfield’s decision to officially withdraw from the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region is a bold move toward local autonomy. On a lighter note, the massive merger of Enns Brothers and Greenvalley Equipment marks a new chapter for our agricultural community—one we hope brings even more robust support to the farmers who are the backbone of our economy.

Moving to the Boreal Boundary, there is a palpable sense of momentum and planning for the future. The RM of Lac du Bonnet has just released a comprehensive Housing Report, a vital roadmap for ensuring we have diverse, accessible living options as our region grows. Similarly, the Municipality of Alexander’s 2025 Year in Review showcases a massive year of progress, highlighted by a staggering 31% increase in taxable assessment—proving that our area remains a top choice for families and investors alike. And for those who love a bit of local pride, keep an eye out for the Beausejour racetrack on the big screen! The historic CPTC facility is currently doubling as a major film set, bringing a welcome burst of economic activity and excitement to the area this winter.

Finally, we have some "major wins" for families in Red River North with the addition of three new pediatricians to the Interlake-Eastern RHA. Between this and the relocation of the Selkirk QuickCare Clinic to Easton Drive, we are seeing a much-needed reinvestment in accessible, local healthcare.

A Small Favour to Ask: Our goal is to keep every resident informed, from the kitchen tables in Tyndall to the shops in Steinbach. If you found this update helpful, please forward this email to a neighbour or share the link on your local community Facebook group. Information is the glue that keeps our small towns strong, and we grow best when we grow together.

Stay safe, stay connected, and thank you for being a part of this community.

Your Input Matters: We aim to deliver the most essential and relevant local news. If you have ideas for new content, specific municipal coverage you'd like to see, or are interested in sponsoring a future issue, please reach out to us directly at [email protected].

  1. Highway 8 Head-On Collision Claims Lives of Two Young Women:

    Selkirk RCMP responded to a fatal two-vehicle collision on Tuesday, January 27, around 12:10 p.m. near Whytewold Road in the RM of St. Andrews. A southbound vehicle collided head-on with a northbound vehicle. The driver of the northbound car, a 26-year-old woman from the RM of Gimli, died at the scene. The other driver, a 20-year-old woman from Winnipeg Beach, was transported to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

    Source: CBC News

  2. Selkirk QuickCare Clinic Relocates to Easton Drive:

    The Selkirk QuickCare Clinic officially moved to its new location within the Interlake-Eastern Health Services building at 100 Easton Drive (the former Selkirk Hospital) on Monday, January 26. The clinic is now open for same-day appointments to treat minor health issues such as colds, flu symptoms, and minor infections. Residents can book appointments online at medinav.ca starting at midnight or by calling 204-482-4399 beginning at 9:30 a.m. daily.

  3. Selkirk Bridge (PR 204) Rehabilitation Plans:

    Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) has confirmed that the 90-year-old bridge on PR 204 will undergo rehabilitation rather than replacement. Construction is slated for 2027–2028, with current efforts focused on preliminary and detailed design to re-establish load capacity.

  4. Interlake-Eastern RHA Welcomes Three New Pediatricians:

    In a significant boost to local healthcare, the Interlake-Eastern RHA has announced that three new pediatricians are now accepting referrals in the region. Among the new specialists is Dr. Wail Seleem, who began practicing in December. This expansion of pediatric services is expected to significantly reduce wait times and travel requirements for families in the Red River North area.

  5. City of Selkirk: 2025 Year in Review Highlights Infrastructure Wins:

    Mayor Larry Johannson recently highlighted the city's significant achievements over the past year, including the $7.2 million reconstruction of Eveline Street. Looking ahead to 2026, the city is focusing on its "Downtown Renewal Strategy," which has attracted major interest from the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) for its commitment to sustainable, safe, and livable urban communities.

  6. West St. Paul 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing Date Announced:

    The RM of West St. Paul has officially announced the public hearing for its 2026 Financial Plan, originally scheduled for late January, and is now set for February 5 at 6:00 p.m.

  7. East St. Paul Fahr Land Proposed Subdivision Open House:

    The RM of East St. Paul has announced an upcoming open house regarding a proposed new subdivision in the Fahr Land area. This session is designed for local residents to view maps, ask questions about infrastructure impacts, and provide feedback before the project moves to the formal planning committee.

  8. St. Andrews Procedural Bylaw Update for Council Meetings:

    Council is reviewing Procedural Bylaw No. 4379, which defines how meetings are conducted. A key focus is on "Preliminary Council Briefings"—updates from staff and consultants where discussion happens but no formal resolutions can be passed.

  9. St. Clements Land-Use Hearing for PTH 44 (DPA 294-25) Postponed:

    The public hearing for a proposed "multi-use complete community" along PTH 44 (Roll # 252200) was postponed on Jan 15. The applicant, Jay Singh, is seeking to re-designate the land from "Resource and Agriculture" to "General Development." Source: Red River Planning

  10. West St. Paul Infrastructure Update for Local Improvement Districts (LIDs):

    The municipality provided an update on Jan 23 regarding pipe installation in the Minnehaha/Kenabeek area. Underground work is estimated to be complete by Feb 27, with road reconstruction beginning this Spring.

  11. RM of St. Clements Curbside Collection Switching to GFL on Feb 1:

    Effective Feb 1, 2026, the RM will transition to GFL Environmental for garbage and recycling. While pickup days remain the same, all recycling for Zones 2 and 4 will now be collected on the same bi-weekly schedule to simplify service.

  12. Lord Selkirk School Division Mental Wellness Month:

    Recognition For the month of January 2026, LSSD has implemented a series of "Mental Wellness" initiatives across all schools. The program focuses on reducing stigma and providing resources for students and staff to navigate the winter months. Information sessions and support links have been distributed to families throughout the division.

  13. 2026 Physician Emeritus Award Nominations Open:

    The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (RHA) is currently seeking nominations for the annual Physician Emeritus Award. The award recognizes retired or semi-retired physicians in the Selkirk and Interlake region who have demonstrated a career of exceptional service and dedication to local patient care. Source: Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority

  14. Lord Selkirk School Division Call for National Student Recognition:

    The division is currently seeking names of past or present LSSD students who have achieved national or international recognition in academics, sports, or the arts. These students are being compiled for a special "Wall of Fame" or recognition feature in upcoming divisional publications.

  1. Councils for the RM of Springfield Vote to Officially Depart the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR):

    In a significant move for local autonomy, Springfield Council has voted to withdraw from the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region board. Councillor Mark Miller cited concerns that the "Plan20-50" blueprint allowed Winnipeg to dominate development planning with a veto that undermined rural autonomy. Springfield is the sixth rural municipality to depart the group, costing the RM over $130,000 in participation fees to date.

    Source: ActionLine

  2. Hanover School Division Responds to "Invisible Teacher" Allegations:

    On January 27, the Hanover School Division (HSD) issued a formal statement to clarify "inaccuracies" in a recent media report concerning an uncertified teacher at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. The division maintains that it obtained all required Limited Teaching Permits and followed mandatory background check protocols. HSD emphasized its commitment to transparency and student safety while correcting the public record on its hiring practices.

  3. RM of Springfield Public Hearing for Multiple Zoning Variances:

    Springfield held a major public hearing on January 21, 2026, to address over a dozen zoning variance and conditional use applications (Files 25-48 through 25-54). These applications primarily involve residential setbacks and property use amendments in the Oakbank and Dugald areas.

  4. Niverville: 2025 Recorded as Busiest Year Ever for Fire and EMS:

    The Niverville Fire and EMS department responded to a record-breaking 330 calls in 2025, a significant jump from 277 the year prior. Chief Keith Bueckert noted that medical calls make up about 60% of their volume. The department is currently advocating for provincial certification to allow their members to provide higher-level medical care to better serve the growing town.

  5. RCMP Release 2025 Crime Statistics Overview:

    The St-Pierre-Jolys RCMP reported that while property crime saw a slight decrease in 2025, "crimes against persons" saw a rise. This prompted a call for increased community vigilance and a reminder for residents to utilize the online crime reporting tool for non-emergencies to help police track trends.

  6. Vita Hockey Tournament Counted On to Save Local Arena:

    The community of Vita is rallying around a benefit hockey tournament scheduled for February to raise $20,000 needed for urgent repairs to the Vita Arena’s ice plant. Without these funds, the arena faces a potential shutdown, which would leave local youth and recreational leagues without a home rink.

    Source: The Carillon

  7. Niverville Fire Chief Expresses Frustration Over First Responder Delays:

    Fire Chief Keith Bueckert reported on January 27 that the department is facing a nearly three-year delay in rolling out its new Advanced First Aid program. While volunteer numbers are strong, provincial delays in training certification are hindering the department's ability to upgrade its medical emergency response. Source: SteinbachOnline

  8. City of Steinbach: Public Hearing for Trailblazers Life Choices:

    The City of Steinbach has scheduled a public hearing regarding a Conditional Use application (CU-2026-01) for the property at 448 Wilson Street. The applicant, Trailblazers Life Choices, is seeking approval to operate a residential care facility or specialized support service at this location. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:35 PM at City Hall, where residents can offer feedback on the proposal.

  9. RM of De Salaberry: Public Hearing for St. Pierre-Jolys Boundary Review:

    A public meeting is set for February 17, 2026, to discuss a proposed conditional use and potential boundary adjustments between the RM and the Village of St. Pierre-Jolys. This is part of a long-term plan to coordinate growth and services between the two jurisdictions.

  10. RM of Hanover: 2026 General Municipal Election Date Set:

    The RM of Hanover has officially begun its countdown to the 2026 General Municipal Election, scheduled for October 28, 2026. The RM has opened a dedicated election portal for residents to check ward boundaries and eligibility requirements.

  11. Town of Ste. Anne: Mandatory Voter Registration for Renters:

    The Town of Ste. Anne is reminding residents—particularly renters—to register for the upcoming October 2026 municipal election. Because the town does not maintain an automatic list of renters, individuals must manually submit their information to ensure they are on the voters' list.

  12. RM of Ste. Anne: Planning Notices for New Subdivisions:

    A public hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, to discuss a road opening and subdivision application (4175-25-9177) in the Stiller area. This development is part of the RM's ongoing growth strategy to manage new residential lots near the town perimeter.

  13. RM of De Salaberry: Regen Ag Day (February 12):

    The RM is promoting "Regen Ag Day," a specialized workshop scheduled for February 12, 2026. The event focuses on regenerative agricultural practices, offering local producers insights into soil health, water retention, and sustainable farming techniques. The notice was officially posted on January 20th to encourage early registration.

  14. Major Merger Announced for Enns Brothers and Greenvalley Equipment:

    Two of Manitoba’s largest John Deere dealerships, Enns Brothers and Greenvalley Equipment (GVE), announced their intent to merge on January 19. The move aims to create a more resilient service network with expanded parts inventory and specialized technician support. The merger is expected to officially close in April 2026, with the companies promising that local ownership and familiar faces will remain in place.

  15. RM of Ste. Anne: Richer LUD Committee Meeting Schedule:

    The RM of Ste. Anne has confirmed that the Richer Local Urban District (LUD) Committee will continue to meet at 7:00 PM on the first Wednesday of each month throughout 2026. These meetings are the primary venue for Richer residents to discuss local infrastructure and park improvements.

  16. RM of Piney "Coffee with Council" Winter Dates Set:

    The RM of Piney has announced its first "Coffee with Council" series of 2026. These informal town-hall style meetings are scheduled for February 24, February 26, and March 3. They are designed for residents to bring concerns directly to elected officials in a casual setting.

    Source: RM of Piney

  17. RM of Ste. Anne: Holiday Cheer Contest Winners Announced:

    The winners of the 2025 Holiday Cheer Contest (judged by the LUD of Richer Committee) have been officially invited to a prize-giving ceremony on February 4, 2026, at the Richer Young at Hearts Club. The ceremony will take place just before the monthly LUD committee meeting.

  1. Great Falls Boil Water Advisory Issued for Specific Residents:

    A localized Boil Water Advisory was issued on January 21, 2026, for several addresses within the Great Falls Utility. Affected areas include select properties on Winnipeg River Drive, Ash Street, River Road, and Birch Place. Residents in these specific locations must boil water for at least one minute before consumption until the advisory is officially lifted.

  2. RM of Lac du Bonnet: Comprehensive Housing Report Released:

    On January 21, the RM released a detailed Housing Report highlighting community needs and future growth opportunities. The report is intended to guide developers and the municipality in addressing the demand for diverse housing options in the region.

  3. Municipality of Alexander 2025 Year in Review Released:

    The Municipality of Alexander has officially posted its 2025 Year in Review. The report outlines a massive year of growth, including key infrastructure improvements, service enhancements, and a significant 31% increase in the municipal taxable assessment (rising to $644 million). Residents are encouraged to view the highlights of progress made over the last 12 months.

  4. Beausejour Racetrack to Feature in Upcoming Film:

    The Beausejour Canadian Power Toboggan Championship (CPTC) track and local racers are set to hit the big screen. A film production is currently using the historic snowmobile racing facility as a primary location, bringing a boost of activity to the town this winter.

  5. RM of Lac du Bonnet: Public Hearing for Variations Cancelled:

    The Variation and Conditional Use Public Hearing originally scheduled for January 28, 2026, has been officially cancelled. The RM has announced that all applications meant for this date will now be addressed during the February hearing session.

  6. Town Strategic Plan 2024-2026 Implementation:

    The Town of Powerview-Pine Falls is moving into the final phases of its Strategic Plan. Current priorities for the early 2026 quarter include targeted economic development efforts and infrastructure planning to address the aging arena, which remains the central gathering place for the community's three hockey leagues.

  7. RM of Whitemouth: New Snow Removal Policy Reminders:

    Following the recent snowfall, the RM of Whitemouth posted a notice on January 23 reminding residents of the Snow Removal Policy. Pushing snow onto or across public roads is prohibited and can result in fines, as it creates hazardous "windrows" for other motorists.

  8. RM of Brokenhead: Council Meeting Date Changes:

    The RM has updated its 2026 Council Meeting Schedule. The next regular meeting is set for February 17. Residents wishing to present as a delegation must submit their request to the CAO at least one week in advance.

  9. Town of Lac du Bonnet: Outdoor Recreation Business Opportunity:

    The Town has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for outdoor recreation business opportunities at Lakers Park. The municipality is looking for entrepreneurs to provide seasonal services that enhance the park experience for residents and tourists.

  10. RM of Alexander: Regular Council Meeting Schedule

    Council for the RM of Alexander held its first regular meeting of the year on January 20. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for February 10 and February 24, where the 2026 budget deliberations are expected to begin.

  11. RM of Lac du Bonnet: 2026 Equipment Rental Rates Intake:

    The RM is now accepting submissions for 2026 Hourly Equipment Rental Rates. Local contractors who wish to provide equipment services to the municipality for the upcoming construction and maintenance season have until February 20 to submit their rates.

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!

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

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