Community Safety Officers (CSOs) Spark Confusion:

Residents have reported being caught off guard by a grey SUV with City of Selkirk markings. Local officials clarify that these are Community Safety Officers (CSOs)—peace officers hired to assist the RCMP with patrols and speed enforcement. While some feared "police impersonation," the city confirms these are legitimate supplemental law enforcement resources.

→ Source: CTV News Winnipeg

Missing Girl (Gimli/Selkirk Region):

RCMP are still seeking public assistance in locating a 16-year-old girl last seen leaving her school in Gimli on January 9. Residents throughout the Red River North corridor are asked to keep a watchful eye for any sightings.

→ Source: CBC News Manitoba

Public Engagement Update: Cooks Creek Estates Proposal

Following our recent coverage of the Cooks Creek Estates subdivision (DP 294 / 2025), several residents have reached out regarding the project’s next steps. While a community petition was previously active, digital links have recently become inaccessible. In response, organizers and the Red River Planning District (RRPD) are encouraging residents to formalize their feedback through official channels. You can review the full First Reading Report Package at www.redriverplanning.com. To ensure your perspective is part of the public record, please email [email protected] or register for the upcoming January 27 planning meeting through the RM of St. Clements portal.

Refund Deadline (Jan 15) for West St. Paul Residents:

This is the final call for residents to submit receipts for Library and Prairie Green Landfill refunds. Submissions must be received by end-of-day January 15, 2026, to be eligible for reimbursement.

→ Source: RM of West St. Paul

Mobile Home Park Licensing Freeze for St. Clements:

Council has approved the 2026 fee schedule for mobile home parks. Fees will remain at $44.00 per month through the first quarter (ending March 31, 2026) before a scheduled increase to $47.00 takes effect in April.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

Public Hearing for Major Subdivision in St. Clements:

A public hearing is set for January 27 regarding a proposed 33-lot subdivision. The hearing will address variances and land-use density, a topic of high interest for local residents concerned about infrastructure capacity.

→ Source: Red River Planning District

Waste Provider Change in St. Clements:

Starting February 1, 2026, a new curbside collection provider will take over services in the RM. Residents should review their specific zones for potential pickup schedule adjustments to ensure no missed collections during the transition.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

Selkirk Mayor Reflects on Record 2025 Growth:

Mayor Larry Johannson’s year-end report highlights 2025 as a "year of achievement," citing record commercial and residential development. For 2026, the city is shifting focus to its new endowment fund aimed at supporting local non-profits and maintaining aging urban infrastructure.

→ Source: Selkirk Times

RM of West St. Paul Dog License Renewals Due:

Annual dog licenses expired on December 31. The RM reminds pet owners that 2026 tags are now available for purchase at the municipal office or online.

→ Source: RM of West St. Paul

St. Andrews Unit Variance Hearing (Jan 13/15):

The Red River Planning District held a public hearing regarding a conditional use variance for Unit 230 on PTH 9. The decision, impacting local commercial density, is expected to be finalized in this week's council session.

→ Source: Red River Planning District

Larters Ski Trails Officially Open:

The RM announced that 6.5 km of trails at Larters Golf Course are now fully groomed and open for the season. Trails are maintained weekly and are free for residents to use for skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking.

→ Source: RM of St. Andrews

Mental Wellness Month in Schools:

The Lord Selkirk School Division (LSSD) has officially designated January as Mental Wellness Month. Throughout the week of Jan 15-21, local schools will be hosting "check-in" sessions for students and staff to reduce stigma and build supportive community connections.

→ Source: Lord Selkirk School Division

Grand Slam of Curling Leaves Lasting Legacy:

The Crown Royal Players’ Championship concluded on January 11 at the new Southeast Event Centre (SEC). The event was a major success, drawing international media and thousands of spectators. Local officials and the SEC communications director, Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, noted that hosting world-class athletes (many heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics) has solidified Steinbach's reputation as a premier sports destination.

→ Source: Steinbach Online

Steinbach: Roadmap for Community Safety Released

The City of Steinbach has unveiled its new Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Plan, a multi-year strategy designed to transition the city toward proactive, "upstream" social solutions. Developed by a multi-sector steering committee, the plan identifies 23 specific goals and 72 recommended actions across seven priority areas, including housing, mental health, and youth engagement. The initiative aims to address root causes of safety concerns by improving access to services and fostering a sense of community belonging.

Source: City of Steinbach

Mixed-Use Development Approved for Loewen Blvd:

City Council has given the green light to a new commercial and multi-family residential project at 31 Loewen Boulevard. The approval included necessary variances and conditional uses to allow for increased density, signaling continued urban growth for the city's central corridor.

→ Source: The Carillon

Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) Reports Record Engagement:

Executive Director David Klassen credited a "dedicated team" for a breakthrough year in 2025 that has carried into early 2026. The council reported a "concert explosion" and expanded satellite programming, including new bursaries for youth and a significantly larger gallery space.

→ Source: Steinbach Online

RM of Hanover - New Survey Requirements for Building Permits:

Effective January 1, 2026, the RM has implemented stricter permit rules for urban areas (Grunthal, Blumenort, Kleefeld, Mitchell, and New Bothwell). All primary and accessory buildings with permanent foundations now require a professional Surveyor’s Construction Layout. Hand-drawn site plans are no longer accepted.

→ Source: RM of Hanover

Wrong Address Confusion Delays Fire Response:

On Jan 2, a 911 call dispatched the Steinbach Fire Department to a "Pleasantwood" address. Since no such street exists, crews first went to Pleasant Drive before eventually locating the garage fire on Crescentwood. Fire Chief Kel Toews confirmed the delay didn't change the outcome, but the incident serves as a major regional warning to residents to confirm street names during emergencies.

→ Source: The Carillon

Council Debates New Richer LUD Priorities:

The Ste. Anne Committee of the Whole met on Jan 14 to finalize the 2026 priorities for the Local Urban District (LUD) of Richer. Key items on the table include drainage improvements near the fire hall and a proposed beautification project for the main thoroughfare.

→ Source: RM of Ste. Anne

Record-Breaking Development Post-Wildfire for RM of Piney:

Despite a devastating wildfire season, the RM of Piney reports a record $5.3 million in building permits for 2025/26—double the yearly average. Much of the growth is concentrated in home and cabin construction as residents move back to the area with new fire-resilient building standards.

→ Source: Pembina Valley

Rm of Hanover Basement Suite Fees Adjusted:

Residents planning to add secondary suites should note that the Additional Dwelling Unit Fee has increased to $3,500 as of Jan 1. Furthermore, any basement deeper than 4 feet in urban or rural residential areas now requires a geotechnical engineer's report.

→ Source: RM of Hanover

Senior "Shopping Shuttle" Program Launches in Springfield:

To combat winter isolation, Springfield has launched a subsidized accessible transportation program. Starting Jan 7, seniors can book the "Senior Outing" shuttle for organized shopping trips to neighbouring hubs, providing a vital link for those who no longer drive in winter conditions.

→ Source: RM of Springfield

Ritchot Opts Out of Regional Library System:

In a surprise move, the RM of Ritchot has officially declined to join the proposed Southeastern Manitoba Regional Library umbrella. Council cited a desire to maintain their bilingual identity and existing school-based library partnerships, which they felt would be diluted under a larger regional system.

→ Source: Steinbach Online

Public Hearing Postponements for the RM of Taché:

The RM has officially postponed several high-profile public hearings originally slated for January 20, 2026. This includes Subdivision File No. 4194-25-9195 and a major Variance Order (VO 21-26). Residents who were planning to attend are advised that these items will be rescheduled "until further notice."

→ Source: RM of Taché

RM of Hanover: Conditional Use Hearing - Adjoining Property Impact:

A new administrative directive was issued regarding Conditional Use applications. Hanover staff must now present a "convenience and value" report at the start of every public hearing to prove that new developments won't negatively impact the property values of immediate neighbours.

→ Source: Hanover Municipality

2026 Council Schedule and Zoom Access for the RM of Springfield:

Springfield has finalized its 2026 Meeting Schedule, moving many regular sessions to a hybrid format. Residents wanting to participate via Zoom must now request links by calling 204-444-3321 at least 24 hours in advance.

→ Source: RM of Springfield

Tree and Brush Disposal Site Change for Springfield:

Springfield has relocated its primary tree and brush disposal area. Effective mid-January, residents must use the new designated zone at the Waste Transfer Station, as the previous auxiliary site has been decommissioned for future development.

→ Source: RM of Springfield

Brokenhead Faces $3M Shortfall Due to Unpaid Taxes:

The RM of Brokenhead has been forced to indefinitely delay several infrastructure projects after reporting that approximately 30% of ratepayers failed to pay their 2025 property taxes. The $3 million shortfall is unprecedented for the municipality, leading to a freeze on non-essential capital spending for the first quarter of 2026.

→ Source: Clipper Weekly

Fatal Collision in Lac Du Bonnet Claims Pinawa Resident:

A tragic accident occurred on Jan 9 at the intersection of Highway 11 and Minnewawa Street. A 78-year-old female driver from Pinawa was killed when her vehicle was struck by a northbound semi-truck. RCMP are still investigating the cause, and the community is mourning a long-time resident.

→ Source: Manitoba RCMP

Brokenhead Zoning By-Law Overhaul Open House:

The RM of Brokenhead held a major open house on Jan 7 to discuss extensive revisions to Zoning By-Law No. 2269-25. Key changes include new density requirements for Tyndall-Garson and updated regulations for accessory buildings. Residents have until the Jan 27 Council Meeting to submit formal written objections.

→ Source: RM of Brokenhead

Snowmobile Water Rescue on Winnipeg River:

North Eastman authorities are issuing a "Ride Safe" plea after a snowmobiler had to be rescued from the open waters of the Winnipeg River over the holidays. The incident has prompted local clubs in Lac du Bonnet to refresh their trail maps and warning signs near high-flow areas.

→ Source: CBC News

Reynolds Fire Hall Receives $315K Expansion Grant:

Huge news for the RM of Reynolds Fire Department: they have been awarded $315,768 through the Manitoba GRO Program. The funds are earmarked for a physical expansion of the fire hall and the purchase of modern extraction tools, a project set to break ground later this year.

→ Source: RM of Reynolds

WASP Wildfire Protection Kits – Municipal Subsidy:

The RM of Alexander is offering property owners discounted WASP Wildfire Protection Kits for $165 (MSRP is approx. $250). These kits use gutter-mount sprinklers to create a "wet roof" barrier during wildfires. Distribution begins in early 2026, but residents can arrange early pickup in Winnipeg by contacting the EDO.

→ Source: RM of Alexander

RM of Lac Du Bonnet 2026 Development Plan Draft Released:

The RM and Lac du Bonnet Planning District have released the first draft of the 2026 Amended Development Plan. This document will dictate land use for the next decade, with a focus on sustainable cottage development and water-frontage protection.

→ Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

Powerview-Pine Falls Strategic Plan 2024-2026 Implementation:

The Town has entered the final phase of its current strategic plan. This week, council is reviewing priorities for "Local Housing, Safety and Comfort" to address the housing shortage following the mill’s historic closure and the community's subsequent evolution into a bilingual recreation hub.

→ Source: Town of Powerview-Pine Falls

Ice Fishing Derby – Early Bird Tickets:

Tickets for the 2026 Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby are now on sale. Early bird pricing is in effect until Feb 8. The event organizers noted that the first 325 youth to check in on derby day will receive a free rod and reel combo.

→ Source: LdB Ice Derby Official Site

New Leadership at Reynolds Municipal Office:

The RM has officially welcomed Carolyne as the new Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO). She replaces long-standing staff and brings experience from the private financial sector to help streamline the RM's 2026 budget process.

→ Source: RM of Reynolds