Editor’s Note: Navigating Growth and Safeguarding Our Streets
Good morning to our readers across the Red River North, Eastline, and Boreal Boundary. As we push into February 2026, our regions are defined by a dual focus: ambitious long-term planning for record-breaking growth and immediate actions to ensure the safety and spirit of our neighbourhoods.
In Red River North, the focus is firmly on the future. The RM of West St. Paul is taking a proactive stance on community safety, authorizing increased police patrols and voluntary overtime to ensure a visible, de-escalating presence following recent regional disturbances. Meanwhile, in St. Andrews and St. Clements, the "planning" season is in full swing. From public hearings on land-use changes to the official transition to GFL Environmental for curbside services, our municipalities are fine-tuning the mechanics of daily life. For those looking for a lighter way to connect, the 11th Annual KidFish Ice Derby on February 15 remains the heartbeat of the month, bringing families to the frozen Red River to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Moving to the Eastline, we are witnessing the sheer scale of modern urbanization. Steinbach is moving forward with a massive $132.5 million wastewater expansion—the city’s largest infrastructure project to date—to service the record-setting housing growth that shows no signs of slowing. Similarly, the Town of Ste. Anne has finalized its 2026 Annexation Report, proposing a 500-acre expansion to accommodate its surging population. While growth is the theme, safety remains the priority; the recent arrest by Steinbach RCMP following a crime spree serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to protect our local businesses. And a quick note for the sports fans: while the St. Malo Arena's reopening is delayed to later this year, the promise of a revitalized, year-round recreation centre remains a bright spot on the horizon.
In the Boreal Boundary, the community is pulling together to solve immediate challenges. In Great Falls, the installation of a temporary, heat-traced water line has finally restored service to Poplar Avenue residents, a vital "bridge" solution while we wait for the spring thaw to allow for permanent repairs. Momentum is also building for the Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby on February 28. With early bird pricing ending on February 8, the excitement is palpable—not just for the $5,000 grand prize, but for the chance to win a Princecraft boat and trailer. It’s a perfect example of how our region turns the challenges of winter into a celebration of community and charity.
A Small Favour to Ask: Our goal is to keep every resident informed, from the council chambers in St. Andrews to the frozen docks in Lac du Bonnet. If you found this update helpful, please forward this email to a neighbour or share it 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.
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Red River Ice Breaking Operations Set to Begin Feb 11:
The RM of St. Andrews has officially announced that ice-cutting machines and the Amphibex fleet will begin operations on the Red River starting February 11. This is a crucial safety alert for anyone with ice shacks or snowmobiles on the river near Selkirk, as the ice will become unstable almost overnight.
Source: RM of St. Andrews
St. Andrews Public Hearing for Closing of Public Reserve:
A public hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. regarding By-Law #4422. The proposal involves the formal closing of a public reserve, allowing residents to provide feedback on land use changes within the municipality. Source: RM of St. Andrews
Major Postponement for Subdivision and Zoning Hearings in St. Andrews:
The RM has announced that public hearings for Subdivision No. S25-3120 and Zoning Amendment No. 4423, originally set for late January, have been pushed to March 10, 2026. This delay allows for further review of the proposed changes before they are presented to council.
Source: RM of St. Andrews
Public Hearing for 2026 Financial Plan for RM of West St. Paul:
The RM has officially scheduled the public presentation of its 2026 Financial Plan for Thursday, February 5, at 6:00 PM. This hearing is the primary opportunity for residents to review proposed municipal spending, capital projects, and tax requirements for the upcoming fiscal year.
Source: RM of West St. Paul
St. Clements Council Meeting and Planning Session Scheduled for Feb 24:
Beyond the regular February 10 meeting, a specialized evening session will take place on February 24 starting at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will focus exclusively on planning and development applications within the municipality.
Source: RM of St. Clements
West St. Paul Council Approves Increased Police Patrols:
During the January 26 council meeting, the RM authorized voluntary overtime for police officers to increase presence in the community. This move aims to proactively address de-escalation and safety concerns following recent regional disturbances.
Source: West St. Paul Reader
St. Andrews: Detailed 2026 Flood Outlook Expected Late February:
While early reports show average snowpack, the RM has advised that a comprehensive flood outlook will be released later this month. Residents are encouraged to monitor precipitation levels as the spring thaw approaches. Source: RM of St. Andrews
RM of East St. Paul 2026 Spring Road Restrictions Announced:
The RM has released its Schedule "D" for 2026 road weight restrictions to protect infrastructure during the spring thaw. All residential roads are classified as Class B, restricting loads to 65% of normal axle weight, with Hoddinott Road allowed at 90%.
Source: RM of East St. Paul
St. Clements: GFL Environmental Transition Now in Effect:
As of February 1, GFL Environmental is officially the primary provider for curbside collection. Residents in Zones 2 and 4 should take note of the new unified recycling schedule, which now aligns with all other zones in the RM.
Source: RM of St. Clements
East St. Paul: Spring Break Camp Registration Now Live:
The RM has opened early registration for its 2026 Spring Break Camp (running March 30 – April 2). These spots typically fill quickly, and the program offers a variety of STEAM and athletic activities for local youth.
Source: RM of East St. Paul
Selkirk: Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored at Recreation Complex:
The Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 inductees, with a formal recognition ceremony planned to highlight local contributors to the sport. The event celebrates the deep curling history rooted in the Selkirk and Interlake regions.
Source: Selkirk Times
St. Andrews Inaugural "Girls & Women in Sport" Event Announced:
The St. Andrews Community Club will host a fundraiser on February 7 to establish a new "Girls in Sport Fund." The initiative aims to celebrate local female athletes and provide financial support for women in recreation throughout the RM. Source: St. Andrews Community Club
11th Annual KidFish Ice Derby Registration Open:
Final preparations are underway for the KidFish Ice Derby on February 15 at Selkirk Park. The event is a major regional draw, raising significant funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
Source: KidFish
Belated Valentine Dinner at Grand Marais:
The Grand Marais Recreation Centre has announced a community dinner for February 19. This event is a staple for the northern part of the RM, fostering social connection for residents near the beaches during the winter months.
Source: RM of St. Clements
Steinbach RCMP Arrest Male After Downtown Crime Spree:
On February 2, 2026, Steinbach RCMP announced the arrest of a 22-year-old male following a series of commercial break-and-enters and vehicle thefts. The crimes occurred throughout the day on January 28 across Main Street, Reimer Avenue, and Stone Bridge Crossing. The suspect faces multiple charges, including Break and Enter, Theft of Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Breaking Instruments.
Source: Manitoba RCMP
Steinbach Approves Borrowing for Major Recreation & Traffic Upgrades:
Steinbach City Council gave the green light to borrow millions for two massive local projects: the Southeast Event Centre (SEC) and a major overhaul of the Loewen Boulevard and Highway 12 intersection. This is important information for local taxpayers as it finalizes the funding for the region’s newest major sports hub and addresses one of the most frustrating traffic bottlenecks in the city.
Source: SteinbachOnline
Steinbach: Major $132M Wastewater Expansion Enters Planning Phase:
Mayor Earl Funk has announced that 2026 will be a pivotal year for the city's largest-ever infrastructure project: a $132.5 million wastewater system expansion. The city has applied for $66 million in federal funding through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to ensure capacity for record-setting housing growth expected to continue through the next decade.
Source: SteinbachOnline
Steinbach: Judicial Ruling in Sexual Assault Case involving 19-Year-Old:
A provincial court judge in Steinbach recently found a 19-year-old male guilty of sexual assault. The judge emphasized that the accused was "reckless or wilfully blind" regarding consent during the incident which took place last year.
Source: The Carillon News
Town and RM of Ste. Anne: 2026 Annexation Report Finalized:
The Town of Ste. Anne has officially released the final version of its 2026 Annexation Report. The report outlines the proposal to annex approximately 500 acres of land on the north side of the town to accommodate surging residential demand and potential future sites for a new school. While a pipeline running through roughly 300 acres of the land limits certain structures, the annexation is deemed critical for the town's continued growth, which has seen its population nearly double in the last decade.
Source: Town of Ste. Anne
RM of Springfield: Pedestrian Safety Upgrades in Dugald & Oakbank:
Springfield is moving forward with a series of pedestrian enhancements, including new interlocking asphalt pathways and enhanced lighting at crosswalks. A major focus is being placed on the pathways surrounding retention ponds in Dugald to provide both safer connectivity and recreational space for residents.
Source: Business View MagazineSteinbach Residents Cite Lack of Police Presence & Property Crime in Survey:
A summary of Steinbach’s Community Safety and Well-Being survey revealed that the 827 participants strongly perceive a lack of RCMP presence. Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra noted that while the city hires private security to supplement patrols, the survey highlights a need for more de-escalation training and mental health response.
Source: SteinbachOnline
St. Malo Arena Reopening Delayed to late 2026:
Due to ongoing construction hurdles in Phase 2 of the renovation, the RM has officially decided not to open the St. Malo ice surface for the current season. Reeve Darrell Curé stated it is more financially practical to let contractors finish the foyer and sideboards now to ensure a grand reopening as a year-round recreation center in mid-summer 2026.Source: The Carillon News
RM of Hanover: Multiple Public Hearings Scheduled for February 11:
The RM of Hanover has issued notices for a busy slate of hearings on February 11, starting at 9:30 a.m. Agenda items include conditional use applications for Greenkey Farms Inc. and Initiatives for Just Communities, alongside several variance requests for properties in the rural areas.
Source: RM of Hanover
Springfield Council Votes 4-1 to Withdraw from Capital Planning Region: Joining Selkirk and West St. Paul, the RM of Springfield has officially voted to withdraw from the Capital Planning Region (CPR). While Mayor Patrick Therrien supported staying for better federal funding access, Councillor Glen Fuhl and others cited concerns over insufficient information and a lack of local control over "Plan 20-50" mandates.
Source: CTV News Winnipeg
Growth in RM of Ste. Anne Spurring Calls for Highway 12 Police Facility:
As the RM continues to be one of the fastest-growing in Manitoba, Reeve Richard Pelletier has approached the Minister of Justice to discuss a new police facility along Highway 12. The goal is to increase visibility and deter theft, working in collaboration with the RM of Taché and the Steinbach RCMP detachment.
Source: SteinbachOnline
RM of Hanover: Tim Fehr Zoning Amendment Hearing Set for Feb 25:
A public hearing is scheduled for February 25 at 5:00 p.m. regarding By-law 2596-26. The application, filed by Tim Fehr, involves a zoning amendment that would impact land use in the rural region; residents are invited to provide feedback to council.
Source: RM of Hanover
RM of Taché: Appeal Deadline for 2026 Property Assessments:
The RM is reminding property owners that while the Board of Revision has been finalized, the next cycle of assessment values is now public. Residents who believe their 2026 property assessment does not reflect market value are encouraged to prepare for the next round of appeals.
Source: RM of Taché
RM of Taché: First-Ever Recreation Master Plan Under Development:
The RM is working with Scatliff+Miller+Murray to draft its first comprehensive Recreation Master Plan. Residents are being asked to complete a community survey this month to identify gaps in service and prioritize improvements for arenas, parks, and trails in Lorette and Landmark.
Source: RM of Taché
RM of Hanover: Public Hearing for Greenkey Farms Expansion:
On February 11, 2026, Hanover Council will hear a conditional use and variance application from Greenkey Farms Inc. The proposal involves expanding local agricultural operations, and residents are invited to the municipal office at 9:30 AM to provide feedback on the environmental and local impact.
Source: RM of Hanover
RM of La Broquerie: Council Reflects on 2025 Milestones and 2026 Goals:
Reeve Ivan Normandeau highlighted 2025 achievements, including road paving near Twisted Root Campground and new pickleball courts in Marchand. For 2026, the RM will prioritize drainage improvements and stable property taxes while maximizing year-round use of recreational spaces like the newly paved outdoor rink.
Source: SteinbachOnline
RM of Piney February Newsletter Details Municipal Recovery Benefits:
The RM's latest newsletter outlines a one-time recovery benefit available through the Manitoba Government for wildfire evacuees. Residents who were displaced during last year's fire season are encouraged to apply before the March deadlines.
Source: RM of Piney
RM of Piney "Coffee with Council" Sessions Set for Late February:
The RM of Piney has announced its first 2026 "Coffee with Council" series, scheduled for February 24, 26, and March 3. These informal meetings allow residents to discuss local issues directly with elected officials in a relaxed setting. Source: RM of Piney
RM of Lac du Bonnet Draft 2026 Development Plan/Zoning By-law Released: The RM of Lac du Bonnet and the Lac du Bonnet Planning District have released the draft for the amended 2026 Development Plan. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed changes to the Zoning By-law, which follows community open houses held throughout 2025 to guide future land use in the region.
Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
Brokenhead Zoning By-Law 2269-25 Amendment Update:
The RM has released the Planner's Report following the recent open house for Zoning By-Law No. 2269-25. Residents can now view the proposed map and text amendments at the municipal office before the next council reading.
Source: RM of Brokenhead
RM of Alexander: Regular Council Meetings Scheduled for February 10:
The Municipality of Alexander has confirmed two key sessions for Tuesday, February 10: a Governance Council Meeting at 10:00 AM followed by a Regular Council Meeting at 1:00 PM. These meetings will address ongoing municipal projects and administrative updates for the month of February.
Source: RM of Alexander
Great Falls Water Utility Boil Water Advisory:
A formal Boil Water Advisory remains in effect as of February 2026 for the Great Falls utility following the pressure losses and repairs related to the recent freeze-up.
Source: Municipality of Alexander
Ice Fishing Derby Set for Late February:
The municipality is gearing up for the annual Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby on February 28. Organizers are currently finalizing safety protocols and registration details for the event, which is a major winter tourism draw for the Alexander and Lac du Bonnet area.
Source: Lac Du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby
Road Work Notice for Great Falls
The municipality issued a specific road work notice for Great Falls effective January 29, 2026, to address winter-related utility repairs near the co-op waterline.
Source: RM of Alexander
Great Falls Temporary Water Solution Installed:
After a month without water, properties on Poplar Avenue now have a temporary heat-traced surface line running over the Hydro dike. A permanent fix is delayed because Manitoba Hydro will not permit digging into the dike until the spring thaw is assessed.
Source: Clipper Weekly
Reynolds: Council Meeting Date Amended (Feb 17):
The RM of Reynolds has amended its February calendar. The meeting originally scheduled for Feb 10 has been cancelled and moved to February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Source: RM of Reynolds
RM of Brokenhead: Request for Quotes for 2026 Equipment Rates:
The RM has issued a formal Request for Quotes (RFQ) for qualified contractors to provide hourly equipment rates for municipal work in 2026. Interested contractors must submit their documents to Public Works Manager Andrew Toews by the February 27 deadline.
Source: RM of Brokenhead
Lac du Bonnet: Public Hearing for Variation & Conditional Use (Feb 25):
A public hearing is scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the council chambers to discuss several land-use variations that could impact residential density in the RM.
Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
RM of Reynolds Recycling Shed Use Policy Update:
The RM issued an "Important Notice to Ratepayers" in late January regarding the proper use of recycling sheds and the introduction of new sorting requirements for 2026.
Source: RM of Reynolds
2026 Agricultural Conference Concludes in Beausejour:
The annual Brokenhead River Agricultural Conference took place February 3–4 at the Brokenhead River Community Hall. The two-day event connected local producers with industry experts, focusing on beef and forages on Day 1 and grain and crops on Day 2, highlighting the latest agricultural innovations for the 2026 season.
Source: Brokenhead Agricultural Society
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