📝 EDITOR’S NOTE & REGIONAL WATCH
Editor’s note: Good morning, East of the Red!
This week's Report begins with an urgent warning: Southern Manitoba is currently facing a severe winter blizzard. With wind gusts up to 90 km/h and near-zero visibility, major routes including Highways 1, 8, and 9 have seen closures. Please prioritize your safety and stay off the roads until conditions improve.
Beyond the weather, this edition is anchored by critical updates that merge public health, infrastructure, and regional recovery. We lead with a serious health alert out of Steinbach, where public health officials have identified the Bethesda Regional Health Centre as a measles exposure site. Residents who visited the facility recently are advised to monitor for symptoms and contact Health Links for guidance. Meanwhile, our neighbours in the Boreal & Boundary region have received a vital boost; the Red Cross has opened the Manitoba Wildfire Appeal portal, offering financial assistance for food and cleaning to those evacuated during the 2025 fires.
In our municipalities, the focus is on the future. A massive AI Data Centre has been proposed for Île-des-Chênes, a project that could transform the RM of Ritchot into a global tech hub. To the north, the RM of St. Clements is taking proactive steps to protect our local canopy, contracting Green Drop for Dutch Elm Disease (DED) removal starting in January. We are also looking ahead to 2026 health accessibility, as East St. Paul prepares to host a critical Breast Cancer Screening Clinic at the local fire hall.
Finally, don't forget to check your calendar! Between the snow and the season, the holidays bring necessary closures and service shifts. Be sure to review our comprehensive Municipal Deadlines & Reminders chart to stay on top of holiday waste schedules, and scroll to the very bottom for our comprehensive Regional Community Events Calendar to find local skate-with-Santa times and festive workshops to wrap up your year.
Stay safe, stay warm, and thank you for staying informed with us.
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].
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🗓️ Municipal Deadlines & Reminders (All Regions)
Use this quick-reference list to ensure you don't miss a key municipal deadline or service disruption in the coming weeks.
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📍 THE RIVER NORTH DESK
Covering: Selkirk, St. Clements, St. Andrews, Lockport, East St. Paul, West St. Paul
Province Issues Thin Ice Advisory for Red River: The Province has issued a thin ice advisory for rivers and lakes, including the Red River in the St. Clements and St. Andrews areas. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as ice conditions remain unstable. → Source: RM of St. Clements
Dutch Elm Disease Removal in St. Clements: The RM has contracted Green Drop to begin the removal of trees infected with Dutch Elm Disease (DED). Work is scheduled to start in the first week of January, impacting properties with infected elms. → Source: RM of St. Clements
RM of St. Andrews Approves Conditional Use for Daycare in Mapleton School: Council approved a conditional use application for a Day Care Centre at the Mapleton School property (112 Calder Road). The program will run a Before and After School Day Care (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM), addressing a crucial need for childcare. → Source: Red River Planning District
East St. Paul Fire Hall Hosts Breast Cancer Screening Clinic in 2026: A Community Notice has confirmed that a Breast Cancer Screening Clinic is scheduled to be held at the East St. Paul Fire Hall in early 2026, providing a critical health resource. → Source: RM of East St. Paul
East St. Paul Launches Winter Break Workshops (Dec 22 – Jan 2): The RM has opened registration for a variety of Winter Break Workshops for Children & Youth, including STEM projects, Breakdancing, and a Nerf Blaster Battle.
→ Source: RM of East St. Paul
West St. Paul Reduced Speed School Zones Coming Soon: A public notice issued Dec 12 confirms that new, permanent reduced speed school zones will be implemented shortly. Drivers are warned to watch for new signage appearing this week. → Source: RM of West St. Paul
Winter Snow Removal Priority Routes Activated in East St. Paul: Following recent accumulation, the RM has issued a Community Snow Removal Notice. Residents are reminded of the priority clearing schedule and to keep bins off the streets. → Source: RM of East St. Paul
New Mobile Home Park Licensing Fees Adopted: Council officially adopted By-law No. 17-2025 on Dec 16, updating monthly licensing fees for all mobile home park lots. This replaces the decade-old 2016 fee structure.
→ Source: RM of St. Clements
Fire Pumper/Tanker Tender Released for 2026: The RM of West St.Paul has officially opened Tender 2025-06 for the supply of a new Fire Pumper/Tanker, a major infrastructure investment for the local fire department.
→ Source: RM of West St. Paul
West St. Paul Holiday Office & Garbage Schedule Changes: The RM released the updated holiday schedule on Dec 12, detailing municipal office closures and shifted garbage/recycling dates for the weeks of Dec 22 and Dec 29.
→ Source: RM of West St. Paul
Beverley Clegg Retires from Community Foundation: After a long career of philanthropy, Beverley Clegg has officially retired from the Selkirk & District Community Foundation. Her leadership helped distribute millions in local grants.
→ Source: mbnews101
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🧭 THE EASTLINE DISPATCH
Covering: Steinbach, Hanover, Grunthal, La Broquerie, Mitchell, Blumenort, Niverville, RM of St. Anne, RM of Hanover, RM of La Broquerie, RM of Springfield
New Steinbach Measles Exposure Site Reported at Regional Health Centre: Public health officials have notified the public of a new measles exposure site at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach. Residents who visited the site on specific dates are advised to monitor for symptoms. → Source: mySteinbach.ca
Massive AI Data Centre Proposed for Île-des-Chênes: Consensus Core Technologies and Jet.AI have secured 350 acres north of Île-des-Chênes for a world-class AI data centre. The "Goldilocks" site was chosen for its proximity to major Hydro substations and natural gas lines. If approved, it would feature natural gas turbines for power generation. → Source: CTV News
Niverville Assumes Jurisdiction of Major Roadways from Province:
Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Province to transfer jurisdictional responsibility for several key roadways, including a portion of PR311 and the Niverville Access Road (5th Avenue). This move gives the Town greater autonomy over road maintenance. → Source: Town of Niverville
Province Commits Extra $10.5M to Global Ag Tech Exchange (GATE): Premier Wab Kinew announced an additional $10.5 million for the GATE project, bringing the provincial total to $23.5 million. While the hub is in Winnipeg, it is the primary research and training partner for the Eastman region’s massive cereal and grain industry. → Source: barchart.com
Niverville Council Sets Ambitious Goal for 300 New Daycare Spots:
Niverville Town Council has passed a resolution setting a target of bringing 300 new licensed childcare spaces to the community by the year 2030, citing an acute and growing regional concern over childcare access. → Source: Niverville Citizen
HSD Approves Catchment Changes to Address SRSS Overcrowding: The HSD Board of Trustees has approved major, coordinated measures to address significant enrollment pressures at Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS), including catchment changes that will take effect for the 2026-27 school year.
→ Source: mySteinbach.ca
MLA Kelvin Goertzen Will Not Seek Re-election: After representing Steinbach for over 22 years, MLA Kelvin Goertzen has announced he will not seek nomination for the next provincial election, marking a major political shift for the region. → Source: mySteinbach.ca
Oak River Phase Two Plans Unveiled in Île-des-Chênes (RM of Ritchot): Landmark Planning and Design presented conceptual plans for Phase Two of the Oak River development at the south end of Île-des-Chênes, signaling continued residential growth in the Ritchot area. → Source: Niverville Citizen
RM of Taché Holds Final Public Hearings of the Year on Dec 16, 2025: The RM held its final Planning Meeting Public Hearings on the evening of December 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Residents should check the agenda for key decisions on conditional use and land use by-law amendments that will affect future development. → Source: RM of Taché
RM of Ste. Anne Warns Residents: Burning Trash is Illegal and Costly: The RM issued a community notice reminding residents that burning household trash is prohibited under the municipal Fire By-law, citing serious health risks and significant fines starting at $500, plus fire response costs.
→ Source: RM of Ste. Anne
Town of Ste. Anne Outdoor Rink Status Update Issued: The Town has posted an official notice regarding the status and construction timeline for the community's outdoor rink (ODR) this season. Check the notice for operational updates and rules before heading out. → Source: Town of Ste. Anne
RM of Hanover Releases 2026 Winter Recreation Guide : The Municipality has released its new guide outlining all recreational programs, facility hours, and events for the upcoming winter season in communities like Mitchell and Kleefeld.
→ Source: RM of Hanover
LUD of Richer Launches Annual Holiday Cheer Contest: Residents of the LUD of Richer are invited to register their addresses for the annual Holiday Cheer Contest (yard/house decorating) for a chance to win prizes.
→ Source: RM of Ste. Anne
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🌲 THE BOREAL & BOUNDARY BRIEF
Covering: Beausejour, RM of Brokenhead, Lac du Bonnet, Powerview-Pine Falls, Whitemouth, RM of Reynolds
Lac du Bonnet Wildfire Recovery Fund Details: The Red Cross has opened the Manitoba Wildfire Appeal financial assistance portal for households evacuated during the 2025 fires. One-time recovery payments are available for food, cleaning, and PPE costs.
→ Source: Canadian Red Cross
Open House Held for Major Zoning Amendment: The RM hosted an informational open house regarding Zoning By-law No. 2269-25. The amendment proposes updates to land-use regulations. This session allowed residents to review map changes and provide feedback before the by-law proceeds to its next stage of approval. → Source: RM of Brokenhead
Memory Trees Placed at Regional Health Facilities: On Dec 12, the IERHA announced the placement of "Memory Trees" in health facilities, including Pine Falls and Beausejour, for families to honor lost loved ones during the holidays.
→ Source: IERHA
Whitemouth Holiday Train Raises $9k for Food Banks: On Dec 3, the CPKC Holiday Train visit resulted in $8,989 in cash and 600 lbs of food being donated to food banks in Lac du Bonnet, Beausejour, and Reynolds.
→ Source: Clipper Weekly
Whitemouth Lagoon Expansion & Waterline Update: At the Dec 2 Council meeting, a draft joint letter was reviewed regarding a significant waterline extension south of Elma. Additionally, Borrowing By-laws for a major lagoon expansion were tabled for finalization. → Source: RM of Whitemouth
Beausejour Implements New "Bag Tag" Waste System: Starting January 1, 2026, the town will move to a strictly enforced waste limit (2 bags or 1 can). Extra bags will require a $2.00 tag, available now at the Town Office.
→ Source: Town of Beausejour
Beausejour Council Meeting Dec 23 – CANCELLED: The Town has officially notified residents that the final Regular Meeting of Council for 2025, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 23rd, is cancelled. The next meeting is slated for Jan 13, 2026.
→ Source: Town of Beausejour
Holiday Office Closures: Beausejour & Brokenhead: Municipal offices for Beausejour and Brokenhead will be closed from Dec 24, 2025, to Jan 2, 2026. Emergency services and waste collection remain on adjusted holiday schedules.
→ Source: Town of Beausejour
Lac du Bonnet Council Meeting Recap (Dec 9): Key decisions from the Dec 9 meeting included the approval of 2026 Municipal Grant intakes and updates on the co-mingled recycling system at Transfer Station #520.
→ Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
Brokenhead Holiday Curbside Schedule Shift: Residents are advised that garbage and recycling collection dates for the weeks of Dec 22 and Dec 29 have been shifted to accommodate statutory holidays.
→ Source: RM of Brokenhead
Ste. Rita Community Bingo Dates Confirmed : Holiday Bingo events are scheduled for Dec 21 and Dec 28 at the Ste. Rita Community Centre. Doors open at 4:30 PM. → Source: RM of Reynolds
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🗓️ Community Events
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.
🚀 Community Growth: Join the East of the Red Network
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🛍️ The Yellow Pages: We are curating a directory of trusted regional businesses. Secure your spot in our upcoming business spotlight.
📣 Community Classifieds: A dedicated space for residents to buy, sell, or promote local services.
Interested in a Featured Placement? We are currently offering Founding Member rates for businesses that want priority placement when these sections go live.
How to get involved: Reply to this email or contact us at [email protected]. with the subject line "Jobs," "Business," or "Classifieds" to receive our media kit and listing options.
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