📝 EDITOR’S NOTE & REGIONAL WATCH
Editor’s note: Good morning, East of the Red!

This week's Report is anchored by critical updates that merge public health, financial strategy, and the ongoing recovery from regional challenges. We lead with the sobering news that the discovery of deceased geese near Lockport is strongly suspected to be related to Avian Flu. Residents in the River North area must exercise extreme caution around wildlife, prioritizing public health. This safety update is paired with a message of recovery, as the Manitoba Government and the Red Cross have committed a combined $6.5 million fund to aid individuals and small businesses affected by the 2025 wildfires. Affected readers should monitor the Red Cross website for the release of application details in January.

In our municipalities, the focus is clearly on the 2026 financial landscape. The Town of Niverville is proposing a smaller tax increase while strategically expanding recreation subsidies for families in need. There are also some high-stakes development decisions being finalized this week, including major retail variances in West St. Paul and the release of the long-term Development Plan and Zoning By-Law drafts in the RM of Lac du Bonnet.

Finally, don't forget to check your calendar! Our Boreal & Boundary region is preparing for the "Greatest Show on Snow" as the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships Season Opener is scheduled for this weekend in Beausejour. The holidays bring necessary closures and deadlines; be sure to review your local Municipal Deadlines and scroll to the very bottom for our comprehensive Regional Community Events Calendar to wrap up the year.

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

  1. Avian Flu Suspected After Dozens of Geese Found Dead in Lockport: Over 50 Canada geese were recently found dead on the frozen river near Lockport. Public health officials are investigating, and the deaths are suspected to be linked to Avian Flu. Residents are urged to avoid contact with the birds and report any further sightings to wildlife officials. → Source: CBC News Manitoba

  2. RM of St. Clements Seeks Second Reading for Multi-Family Development Zoning: The RRPD is recommending the RM of St. Clements Council give Second Reading to By-law No. BL-11-2025 to allow for multi-family residential development. → Source: Red River Planning District

  3. St. Clements Promotes 'Holiday Yards of the Season' Contest: The RM of St. Clements is running its annual Holiday Yards of the Season contest, encouraging residents to submit photos of their decorated homes. This contest promotes community spirit across Selkirk, St. Andrews, and St. Clements. Deadline: December 17, 2025. → Source: RM of St. Clements

  4. East St. Paul Releases December 2025 Newsletter Online: The RM of East St. Paul has made its official December 2025 Newsletter available online. This final edition of the year contains important municipal service reminders, holiday schedules, and local event listings. → Source: RM of East St. Paul

  5. RM of St. Andrews Seeking Nominations for Outstanding Volunteers: The RM of St. Andrews Recreation Department is urging residents to submit nominations for their Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Awards. Nomination forms are available online for individuals who have made a significant contribution to the community. Deadline is Jan 9, 2026 → Source: RM of St. Andrews

  6. RM of St. Andrews Partners with New By-Law Enforcement Services: The RM of St. Andrews has introduced The Commissionaires as its new provider for Animal Control and By-Law Enforcement Services. This is an update on how residents should report municipal by-law issues going forward.

    → Source: RM of St. Andrews

  7. RM of East St. Paul Launches Winter Recreation Program Registration: Registration is officially open for the RM of East St. Paul's Winter 2026 Children & Youth Programs and Adult Workshops. Due to high demand, residents are encouraged to sign up immediately to secure their spots in winter activities. → Source: RM of East St. Paul

  8. 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

  9. West St. Paul Holds Final Public Hearings of the Year on Dec 11: The RM of West St. Paul is holding Public Hearings on Thursday, December 11, 2025, before their Council Meeting. Key items include a subdivision application on Lawson Boulevard and a conditional use request for 436 Rossmore Ave. → Source: RM of West St. Paul

  10. 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

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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

  1. Niverville Proposes Smaller Tax Increase, Expands Recreation Subsidies: The Town of Niverville is considering a 2.5% municipal tax increase for 2026, which is lower than the recommended cost-of-living adjustment and the 4% increase of the previous year. Furthermore, the town plans to subsidize recreation programs for families in need by partnering with the local charity, ROC Eastman. Source: SteinbachOnline

  2. RM of Taché's Lorette Main Street Secondary Plan Moves to Public Survey: Following the second open house earlier this year, the RM of Taché is continuing to solicit feedback on the Lorette Main Street Secondary Plan via an online survey. This long-term plan will guide future land use and aesthetic development for the Lorette town centre. Source: RM of Taché

  3. RM of Taché Public Hearings Scheduled for Conditional Use Applications: The RM of Taché is holding Public Hearings on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, for a range of conditional use applications. The agenda includes requests for variances to allow different types of residential and commercial uses in rural and residential zones across the municipality. Source: RM of Taché

  4. RM of Taché Schedules Two Major Council Meetings for December 16th: The RM of Taché has two critical meetings scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025. These include a Special Budget Meeting in the afternoon (1:00 PM) and a Planning Council Meeting in the evening (6:00 PM), signaling major year-end financial and development decisions. Source: RM of Taché

  5. Niverville Council Focusing on Micro-Suites and Healthcare in 2026: Based on their 2025 Planning Session, the Town of Niverville Council is actively pursuing changes to bylaws to allow for the development of micro-suites (as small as 270 sq. ft.) to improve housing affordability. They are also seeking ways to expand the municipal-run Open Health clinic. Source: Niverville Citizen

  6. RM of Hanover Publishes December eNews and 2026 Winter Rec Guide: The RM of Hanover has released its December 2025 eNews and the 2026 Winter Recreation Guide. Both documents contain critical information on holiday office hours, waste collection changes, and upcoming programs for residents. Source: RM of Hanover

  7. RM of Springfield Announces 2025 Lead Monitoring Program Participants: The RM of Springfield is seeking 30 individual residences in Dugald (20) and Oakbank (10) to participate in the 2025 Residential Lead Monitoring Program. This program tests for lead in municipal water supply plumbing in older homes.

    Source: RM of Springfield

  8. RM of Springfield Water Treatment Plant Construction Moving to Tender Phase: The major Dugald Oakbank Water System (DOWS) project, which includes a new water treatment plant, is moving to the Project Tender phase (expected Spring 2026), with construction planned to begin thereafter. This project is necessary to secure future water needs for new housing developments and increase fire-fighting capacity. Source: RM of Springfield

  9. RM of Springfield Issues Notice on Right-of-Way Obstructions: The RM of Springfield issued a notice to all residents reminding them that objects placed within the municipal Right of Way (such as rocks, fences, or trees) must be removed, especially ahead of winter maintenance activities. Source: RM of Springfield

  10. RM of Ste. Anne Christmas Hamper Pick-up Scheduled for December 13th: For residents of the Town and RM of Ste. Anne who registered for a Christmas Hamper, the pick-up day is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 132 Centrale Avenue. Food bank clients have a separate pick-up date. Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  11. RM of La Broquerie Highlights Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit: The RM of La Broquerie is reminding residents of the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (HATC) for 2025, which can reduce school taxes. Most eligible homeowners do not need to file a new declaration, but can verify their status online. Source: RM of La Broquerie

  12. RM of Taché Council Held Regular and Fire Department Committee Meetings: The RM of Taché held its Regular Council Meeting (9:00 AM) and Fire Department Committee Meeting (4:00 PM) on Monday, December 8, 2025. The minutes of these meetings, which cover routine municipal business and emergency services, will be posted online soon. Source: RM of Taché

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🌲 THE BOREAL & BOUNDARY BRIEF
Covering: Beausejour, RM of Brokenhead, Lac du Bonnet, Powerview-Pine Falls, Whitemouth, RM of Reynolds

  1. Manitoba Government Matches Red Cross Funds to Support 2025 Wildfire Recovery: The Manitoba government has announced it will match funds raised through the Canadian Red Cross's 2025 Manitoba Wildfires Appeal, committing a total of $6.5 million to support individuals, families, and small businesses affected by the 2025 fire season. → Source: Manitoba Government

  2. Beausejour: New Bag Tag System & Office Closure

    Beausejour Waste Limit & Tags In Effect Jan 1 The Town of Beausejour reminds residents that the untagged limit of 2 bags/1 can for waste collection begins January 1, 2026. Extra tags are available now at the Town Office for $2.00 each. → Source: Town of Beausejour Local Notices

  3. Beausejour Office Announces 2025 Holiday Office Hours: The Town of Beausejour Municipal Office has announced it will be closed from December 24th, 2025, to January 2nd, 2026, inclusive for the holiday season. Residents should take note of the closure for municipal services. → Source: Town of Beausejour

  4. Beausejour Issues New Tenders for 2026 Material and Equipment Rates: The Town of Beausejour has issued several new Requests for Tender/Quotations, including for 2026 Hired Equipment Rates, 2026 Granular and Topsoil Material, and 2026 Ready-Mix Concrete. These tenders are crucial for securing next year's infrastructure projects. → Source: Town of Beausejour

  5. RM of Lac du Bonnet Publishes Draft Development Plan and Zoning By-Law: The RM of Lac du Bonnet posted its Draft Amended Development Plan and Zoning By-Law on December 4th. This is a major long-term planning document that will guide all future development (residential, commercial, industrial) within the RM. → Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  6. Town of Lac du Bonnet Holds Final Regular Council Meeting: The Town of Lac du Bonnet Council will hold its final regular meeting of the year on Thursday, December 11, 2025. This is the last opportunity for council to address outstanding motions and year-end reports before the holiday season. → Source: Town of Lac du Bonnet

  7. RM of Lac du Bonnet: Hospice Care Petition

    Petition for Local Hospice Care Launched A community petition has been launched, advocating for the development of a suitable, dedicated hospice care option closer to home in the Interlake and Eastman Regions. Currently, terminally ill patients who cannot be cared for at home are often placed in long-term care facilities, with the closest dedicated palliative care facility being in downtown Winnipeg. → Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  8. RM of Lac du Bonnet Cancellation of Public Hearing on Conditional Use: The RM of Lac du Bonnet announced the cancellation of a Variation and Conditional Use Public Hearing that was scheduled for December 9, 2025. Residents interested in local development applications should check the site for the rescheduled date. Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  9. Powerview-Pine Falls Announces Public Hearing for Development By-Law: The Town of Powerview-Pine Falls has issued a Notice of Public Hearing for Winnipeg River Planning District By-Law 83/25. This public hearing relates to a key development by-law that will impact future zoning and development in the area. Source: Town of Powerview-Pine Falls

  10. RM of Reynolds Announces Early Office Closures in December: The RM of Reynolds has posted a notice detailing several early office closures in December, including a full closure on Friday, December 12th. Residents should verify hours before visiting the municipal office. Source: RM of Reynolds

  11. RM of Reynolds Publishes December Newsletter: The RM of Reynolds has released its December 2025 Newsletter and posted it online. This is the final edition of the year and contains essential information on holiday hours, waste collection, and upcoming community initiatives. Source: RM of Reynolds

  12. RM of Whitemouth Offices Announce Christmas Season Closure: The RM of Whitemouth offices have posted a notice regarding their Office Closed - Christmas Season schedule for 2025. Residents should confirm specific closure dates to avoid disruption to municipal services. → Source: RM of Whitemouth

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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.

📧 Get Involved!

Do you have news, an event, or a business announcement for a future edition?

Reach out to us directly at [email protected].

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