Editor’s Note: A Week of Vigilance and Vital Planning
Good morning to our readers across the Red River North, Eastline, and Boreal Boundary. As we navigate the third week of March 2026, the local landscape is shifting in more ways than one. While the spring thaw begins to reveal the ground beneath us, the headlines this week remind us that community safety and long-term infrastructure planning are currently the two most important pillars of life in our corner of Manitoba.
In the Red River North, the focus is squarely on public safety and regional stewardship. Our thoughts are with the family of 39-year-old Darryl Lambert; with his vehicle located in Riverton, the search remains a top priority for the Gimli and Selkirk RCMP. This atmosphere of caution is underscored by a significant investigation into the theft of 13 firearms in St. Clements and the temporary closure of the East St. Paul Transfer Station due to senseless vandalism. Yet, in the face of these challenges, we see a region building for the future. From the nearly enclosed new St. Clements Activity Centre to the strategic fire service audits in West St. Paul, our leaders are ensuring that as our population grows, our safety nets and recreational spaces grow with it. Whether it’s the hundreds of students gathering for the Balsam Bay Ice Fishing Tournament or the upcoming hearings for the Henderson Highway subdivision, the Red River North continues to balance its "small-town" watchfulness with "big-picture" development.
Moving to the Eastline, the narrative is one of fiscal reality and essential expansion. Residents are keeping a close eye on the upcoming March 24 provincial budget following warnings from Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen regarding potential tax hikes. Locally, however, the focus remains on tangible improvements. Steinbach is making aggressive moves in flood mitigation, awarding major wastewater "twinning" projects to prevent the basement flooding that has plagued homeowners in recent years. Perhaps most significantly, the city is at a crossroads regarding its fire services; with response times climbing due to rapid growth, the transition from a volunteer model to full-time staff is now officially on the table. Meanwhile, in Ste. Anne, the town is nearing the finalization of a major northern annexation, a move that will literally reshape its borders to accommodate the next generation of residents.
In the Boreal Boundary, we start the week with a collective sigh of relief as the Silver Alert for a missing Tyndall man ended happily with his safe return. This success story stands in contrast to a troubling whistleblower report out of Pinawa, where allegations of mistreatment at a seniors' facility have prompted an RCMP and health authority investigation. It is a reminder that protecting our most vulnerable remains our highest calling. Administratively, the region is deep in "spring cleaning." From the RM of Alexander opening its 2026 Voters List protection period to Brokenhead launching its summer student recruitment, the gears of municipal governance are turning at full speed. As Lac du Bonnet launches its "Fire Smart" survey to prepare for the wildfire season, it’s clear that our eastern municipalities are not just reacting to the present, but actively insulating our boreal communities against the risks of the future.
Help Us Grow Our Community Voice:
This newsletter is built on the belief that an informed community is a resilient one. If you find these verified updates essential to your week, please consider forwarding this to a neighbor or a friend. Your support allows us to keep digging into the municipal minutes and RCMP reports that matter most to your backyard.
Wishing you a safe and watchful week ahead!
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].
MISSING PERSON: Gimli RCMP Search for 39-Year-Old Darryl Lambert:
Gimli RCMP are requesting public assistance in locating Darryl Lambert, 39, who was last seen in Riverton on the evening of March 15, 2026. His vehicle, a grey Chevrolet Impala, was found abandoned near the Riverton Motor Inn. Darryl is 5’7”, 150 lbs, with short light brown/orange hair. While Riverton is just north of the St. Andrews boundary, residents throughout Red River North are asked to keep a lookout. If you have information, please call Gimli RCMP at 204-642-5106 or 911.
Source: Manitoba RCMP
RCMP: 13 Firearms Stolen in Highway 44 Break-In:
Selkirk RCMP are investigating a major theft from a home on Highway 44 in St. Clements. Between March 6 and 8, 13 long guns—including shotguns and rifles—were stolen from an unlocked gun safe.
Source: Manitoba RCMP
East St. Paul: Temporary Transfer Station Closure Due to Vandalism:
The RM of East St. Paul has advised residents that the Transfer Station is temporarily closed due to recent vandalism. The municipality is asking residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in public spaces and report any incidents to the RCMP. Community vigilance is being stressed as essential to protecting shared infrastructure. Residents will be notified once a reopening date is set.
Source: RM of East St. Paul
3rd Annual High School Ice Fishing Tournament Draws Hundreds:
Balsam Bay hosted hundreds of students on March 10, 2026, for the 3rd annual tournament. Officials called it a "picture-perfect day" for regional youth engagement.
Source: RM of St. Clements
March 24 Hearing for Henderson Highway Subdivision:
The municipality will host a public hearing on March 24 to discuss a multi-lot subdivision project along the Henderson Highway corridor in East Selkirk.
Source: Red River Planning District
Construction Notice for Nye Ave & Baldock St:
The RM announced that road and drainage construction began on March 9 for the intersection of Nye Avenue and Baldock Street. Traffic delays are expected through the month.
Source: RM of West St. Paul
Selkirk: Public Notice Regarding Change to Waste Collection Schedule:
On March 12, 2026, the City of Selkirk issued a formal notice regarding a temporary shift in the residential waste collection schedule. This change is designed to optimize routes during the spring transition and ensures that all neighborhoods continue to receive consistent service. Residents are encouraged to check their specific zone to confirm their new pickup window.
Source: City of Selkirk
St. Clements: Activity Centre and Park Progress Update:
The RM issued a construction update on March 6, 2026, for the new St. Clements Activity Centre. The building is now nearly enclosed, and interior work is progressing, with an expected opening later in 2026. The 10-acre park site will feature a recreational pond and skating trails.
Source: RM of St. Clements
Fire Services Operational & Sustainability Study Launched:
On March 12, 2026, the RM issued RFP 2026-03, seeking a firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of fire services to ensure the department can meet the needs of the growing community.
Source: RM of West St. Paul
East St. Paul Public Hearing Package for March 24 Meeting Released:
The documentation for the upcoming RRPD hearing on March 24 was made public on March 11, detailing several variance requests for property owners in the RM.
Source: Red River Planning
East St. Paul 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements Released:
On March 12, 2026, the RM of East St. Paul published its audited financial statements, showing a stable surplus as the municipality enters its 2026 budget deliberations.
Source: RM East St. Paul
St. Clements Issues Notice on Sump Pump Discharge:
On March 10, the RM issued a reminder that sump pumps must discharge into municipal ditches or on-property, as discharging directly onto roads causes hazardous ice build-up.
Source: RM of St. Clements
Proposed Municipal Pesticide Use Program for 2026:
The RM of West St. Paul published its proposed weed and mosquito control program on March 5, 2026, allowing residents to register for "no-spray" zones if desired.
Source: RM West St. Paul
St. Andrews March 2026 Community Newsletter Released:
The latest municipal briefing covers winter emergency preparedness, upcoming election info, and a message from the Mayor regarding the 2026 common-sense budget approach.
Source: RM of St. Andrews
St. Andrews: Search for New Recreation Coordinator:
On March 13, 2026, the RM officially opened the search for a new Recreation Coordinator to lead the development of summer programming and community center management.
Source: RM of St. Andrews
MLA Kelvin Goertzen Warns of Tax Hikes in Provincial Budget:
In his latest column on March 15, Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen noted that Premier Wab Kinew has signalled potential tax increases in the upcoming March 24 provincial budget, citing school division tax pressures as a growing concern for residents.
Source: The Carillon
Ste. Anne: Town Nears Final Step in Annexing Northern Land:
On March 16, 2026, Mayor Yvan St. Vincent confirmed that the Town of Ste. Anne is nearing the finalization of an agreement to annex land north of the current town limits toward the Trans-Canada Highway.
Source: SteinbachOnline
Steinbach: Community Safety & Well-being Plan Finalized:
On March 3, 2026, the City released its comprehensive Community Safety & Well-being (CSWB) Plan. Developed by the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities, the strategic framework aims to guide local decisions on social support and crime prevention.
Source: City of Steinbach
Steinbach: Major Flood Mitigation Projects Awarded:
Mayor Earl Funk announced on March 13 that the city is moving aggressively on flood prevention. A "twinning pipe" for the wastewater system has been awarded, and upgrades to a key lift station are currently in the tender phase. These $70,000+ projects aim to prevent the severe basement flooding seen in recent years.
Source: SteinbachOnline
Ste. Agathe: Petition for Safety at Highway 75 and 305 Intersection:
Residents have presented a petition with nearly 1,000 signatures to MLA Ron Schuler, demanding traffic lights and speed reductions at the "dangerous" intersection of Highways 75 and 305.
Source: Niverville Citizen
Steinbach Council Weighs Transition to Full-Time Firefighters:
At a Strategic Priorities Committee meeting on March 16, 2026, Fire Chief Kel Toews presented a report indicating that Steinbach’s rapid growth is stretching the volunteer model. Response times have increased from six minutes in 2010 to nearly ten minutes in 2025. Council is now officially considering planning for a second fire hall and the city's first full-time firefighting staff.
Source: SteinbachOnline
La Broquerie: 2026 Financial Plan Presentation:
The RM of La Broquerie has released its 2026 Financial Plan presentation for 2026. The presentation outlined municipal spending and tax implications for the coming year.
Source: RM of La Broquerie
Borderland School Division: $600K Deficit Budget for Boiler Upgrades:
Covering the southern end of the region, the BLSD has proposed a deficit budget for 2026-2027 to fund critical boiler upgrades at Roseau Valley School in Dominion City.
Source: The Carillon
Ste. Anne: E-Transfer Service Disruption Notice (Mar 18-23):
Due to banking system mergers between Caisse Financial Group and Assiniboine Credit Union, the Town will be unable to receive e-transfers from March 18 to March 23, 2026.
Source: Town of Ste. Anne
Springfield: Nine Public Hearings Scheduled for March 26:
The RM of Springfield has a massive planning agenda for March 26, 2026. Council will hear nine separate applications for conditional uses and zoning variances, ranging from residential home occupations to major property subdivisions.
Source: RM of Springfield
Emerson-Franklin: Doubling of Medical First Responders:
Following Niverville’s lead, the Emerson-Franklin Fire Department has increased its medical response team under the new provincial model, allowing more volunteer firefighters to attend urgent medical calls.
Source: CBC News
Taché: Labour Negotiations Update with OEM 987:
The RM of Taché has published an FAQ regarding ongoing negotiations with Operating Engineers of Manitoba (OEM) 987, detailing wage proposals for the 2026 and 2027 years.
Source: RM of Taché
Niverville: Joy Smith Foundation Gala Highlights Upcoming HQ:
On March 12, the Joy Smith Foundation held its annual gala, highlighting its work in human trafficking awareness. The foundation is slated to move its headquarters to Niverville later this year.
Source: Niverville Citizen
RM of De Salaberry 2026 Financial Plan Hearing Announced:
The Municipality of De Salaberry will hold its financial plan public hearing on April 28, 2026, with draft documents available for public review at the municipal office starting this week.
Source: Municipality of De Salaberry
RM of De Salaberry: Cancellation of Recycling Special Service Hearing:
On March 13, the RM announced the cancellation of the public hearing for Special Service Proposal 1-2025 regarding the continued collection of curbside recycling.
Source: Municipality of De Salaberry
La Broquerie: Interim Wastewater Rates Published:
Following a March 2 post, the RM has shared details on the initial interim wastewater rates for the RSR Wastewater Cooperative, affecting property owners in the LUD of La Broquerie.
Source: RM of La Broquerie
Emerson-Franklin: Prairie Connect - Central MB Tourism Notice:
On March 12, the municipality shared an update regarding Prairie Connect, a regional tourism initiative aimed at boosting community-led beautification and visitor traffic.
Source: RM of Emerson-Franklin
Hanover: Spring Road Restrictions Delayed to March 23:
The RM issued an alert on March 17, 2026, confirming that the 65% axle-weight restrictions will not begin before March 23. This gives local haulers a few extra days of full-load access before the spring thaw protection measures are enforced.
Source: Rm of Hanover
Steinbach: Summer 2026 Recreation Camp Registration Opens:
The City announced that registration for the 2026 Summer Day Camps began on March 9. The camps are a critical resource for local parents, offering various weekly themes for children throughout July and August.
Source: City of Steinbach
Ste. Anne: Search for New Municipal Emergency Coordinator:
The Town of Ste. Anne officially posted an employment opportunity for a Municipal Emergency Coordinator on March 12, 2026, to oversee regional safety protocols.
Source: Town of Ste. Anne
LOCATED: Missing 83-Year-Old Tyndall Man Safely Found:
In a positive update to the Silver Alert issued on March 17, Oakbank RCMP confirmed on the morning of March 18 that Laurie Holgate has been safely located. The 83-year-old had gone missing after leaving his home in Tyndall for an appointment in Selkirk. Authorities thanked the community for their rapid assistance in the search.
Source: SteinbachOnline
Pinawa: Whistleblower Reports Alleged Mistreatment at Seniors Facility:
On March 17, 2026, a former caregiver at Ironwood Gardens in Pinawa spoke out regarding the alleged verbal abuse of a vulnerable resident. The incident, which was reportedly recorded on March 6, has been referred to the RCMP and the regional health authority for investigation.
Source: CTV News
Lac du Bonnet: Public Hearing for Variation & Conditional Use:
A significant public hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. regarding several property variations. Residents can attend in person or via the provided Zoom link on the municipal website.
Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet: Heritage Corporation AGM Announced:
The Lac du Bonnet Heritage Corporation has set its 2026 Annual General Meeting for April 21. The group will discuss ongoing preservation efforts for local historical sites.
Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
RM of Alexander: 2026 Voters List Protection Notice:
On March 10, the municipality issued a notice regarding the 2026 Voters List, allowing residents to apply for personal security protection to have their names omitted from the public document.
Source: RM of Alexander
Brokenhead: 2026 Student Summer Employment Opportunities:
The RM officially opened applications on March 10 for summer student positions in public works and administration. These roles are essential for seasonal maintenance and community event support starting in May.
Source: RM of Brokenhead
Lac du Bonnet: Emergency Management "Fire Smart" Survey Launched:
The RM of Lac du Bonnet Emergency Management Organization (EMO) has launched a community-wide survey as of March 16. The data will help develop a wildfire mitigation strategy and assess how the RM can better support residents through the Fire Smart Program ahead of the 2026 wildfire season.
Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
Pinawa: Council Meeting Agenda for March 31:
The LGD of Pinawa has published the notice for its upcoming month-end council meeting on March 31. Key items include the 2026 fire protection budget and marina wall replacement updates.
Source: Pinawa
Beausejour: Public Water System 2025 Annual Report Released:
On March 3, 2026, the Town of Beausejour officially published its 2025 Annual Report for the Public Water System. The report confirms that the town’s water met all provincial health and safety standards throughout the past year. Residents can view the full chemical analysis and compliance data on the town’s website.
Source: Town of Beausejour
Lac du Bonnet: Spring Grant Applications for Local Non-Profits:
The Lac du Bonnet & District Charitable Foundation issued a call for applications on March 2 for its Spring 2026 funding session. Local groups have until the end of the month to apply.
Source: Lac du Bonnet Foundation
Pinawa: Lions Club $15,000 Bingo Extravaganza Set for April:
The Pinawa Lions Club announced on March 10 that tickets are now on sale for their major $15,000 Bingo fundraiser, scheduled for April 11 at the local community centre.
Source: Pinawa.com - Upcoming Events
RM of Reynolds: Traffic Gravel Supply & Crushing Tender:
The Municipality of Reynolds is currently inviting sealed bids for the supply and crushing of 10,000 tonnes of traffic gravel. This project is essential for ensuring the stability and safety of the RM’s gravel road network during the upcoming high-use summer season.
Source: RM of Reynolds
Lac du Bonnet: "Monthly Matters" March Edition Released:
The Town and RM's joint March 2026 newsletter was published on March 2, detailing the assisted living survey and highlighting recent council approvals for waterfront area improvements.
Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet
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! Email [email protected].
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].