Editor’s Note: A Week of Accountability and Regional Alignment

Good morning to our readers across the Red River North, Eastline, and Boreal Boundary. As we move into the final week of March 2026, the local landscape is defined by a push for accountability—whether it’s in the courtroom, at the council table, or on the picket line. From significant RCMP interventions to the unveiling of 2026 municipal budgets, this week proves that while the spring melt is unpredictable, the work of securing and funding our communities remains constant.

In the Red River North, the week began with a sobering reminder of the importance of roadside vigilance. A road rage incident near Highway 8 and Grassmere Road escalated into a firearms investigation, leading Red River North and Selkirk RCMP to a residence in West St. Paul. With charges now laid against a 38-year-old suspect, the incident underscores a tense week for regional safety. However, the narrative in West St. Paul isn't just about enforcement; it’s about expansion. The recent groundbreaking at Parkview Pointe marks a major milestone for the RM’s multi-family housing strategy, signalling a commitment to diversifying living options for a growing population. Meanwhile, in East St. Paul, the focus is on municipal advocacy. The RM has taken the proactive step of launching a 'Power Reliability' portal—not as a Hydro service, but as a dedicated space to document the RM’s own efforts to hold the utility accountable. By posting direct correspondence with Manitoba Hydro leadership, the RM is ensuring that the path to a more stable grid is transparent and that residents can see exactly how their local representatives are fighting for fewer outages.

Moving to the Eastline, the focus has shifted to the "human element" of regional growth and governance. In Steinbach, a high-stakes standoff involving a wanted Niverville man ended safely thanks to the patience of RCMP crisis negotiators—a testament to the specialized resources required in our rapidly expanding hubs. Administratively, the region is in the thick of "budget season." La Broquerie Council has moved forward with a $10.7-million plan that manages to keep tax increases well below inflation, a difficult feat in the current economic climate. Further east, the Town of Ste. Anne is literally preparing to grow its borders, with the formal submission of an annexation proposal to the Municipal Board. Perhaps most crucially for regional stability, the Taché public works strike has entered its second month, but a new three-year offer on the table provides a glimmer of hope that essential services will be fully restored before the peak of the spring melt.

In the Boreal Boundary, the headlines are dominated by a necessary "fiscal reckoning." Residents in the Town of Lac du Bonnet are seeing the first tangible results of a court-sanctioned provincial audit as a new deficit recovery debenture appears on 2026 tax bills. It is a tough but vital step toward stabilizing the town's long-term financial health. In the surrounding RMs, the "big-picture" planning for the year is just beginning. Brokenhead has set its sights on an April 14 budget hearing, while the RM of Reynolds has scheduled its own financial roadmap presentation for early May. Reynolds is also navigating the complexities of land-use planning, as the Municipal Board recently adjourned the hearing for a massive new Zoning By-Law to allow for deeper review of resident objections. Across the Boreal, from FireSmart surveys to these budget marathons, the goal is clear: building a more resilient, fire-safe, and financially sound eastern corridor.

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Wishing you a safe, observant, and productive week ahead!

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  1. Road Rage Incident on Highway 8 Leads to Firearms Charges:

    On March 21, 2026, Red River North and Selkirk RCMP responded to a weapons offence near Highway 8 and Grassmere Road. A 35-year-old victim reported that another driver pointed a handgun at him during a road rage incident. Police tracked the suspect vehicle to a residence in West St. Paul, where they arrested 38-year-old Jagdeep Dhaliwal. A search of the home uncovered a CO2-powered air pistol and two long guns. Dhaliwal has been charged with pointing a firearm and unsafe storage; he is scheduled for court on April 21.

    Source: Manitoba RCMP

  2. West St. Paul: Groundbreaking at Parkview Pointe for Multi-Family Project:

    A major groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 20, 2026, for a new multi-family residential development in the Parkview Pointe neighborhood. This project is part of the RM's ongoing efforts to diversify housing options for a growing population.

    Source: RM of West St. Paul

  3. East St. Paul: Advocacy Portal for Power Reliability:

    The RM of East St. Paul has launched a dedicated "Manitoba Hydro Power Reliability Updates" page to keep residents informed of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to advocate for better service. The page features a transparent log of correspondence between the RM and Manitoba Hydro President Allan Danroth. While Hydro's latest response (February 19, 2026) highlights ongoing vegetation management and equipment upgrades, the RM's new portal ensures residents can track these promises and see exactly how their local government is pushing for a more stable grid.

    Source: RM of East St. Paul

  4. STILL MISSING: Gimli RCMP Continue Search for Darryl Lambert:

    Gimli RCMP are still requesting public assistance in locating 39-year-old Darryl Lambert, who was last seen in Riverton on March 15. His grey Chevrolet Impala was found abandoned near the Riverton Motor Inn. Darryl is 5’7”, 150 lbs, with short light brown/orange hair. Community members throughout the region are asked to stay vigilant.

    Source: Manitoba RCMP

  5. St. Clements: CBC Interview on Capital Planning Withdrawal:

    St. Clements CAO Deepak Joshi recently spoke on CBC Radio regarding the RM’s decision to withdraw from the regional coordination plan. Joshi cited a desire for more local autonomy over land-use decisions as the primary driver for the move.

    Source: CBC Listen

  6. UV Treatment Resumes at North End Wastewater Plant:

    Good news for Red River water quality: the City of Winnipeg announced on March 18 that UV treatment has officially resumed at the North End plant. This reduces the bacterial load flowing downstream through St. Andrews and St. Clements.

    Source: City of Winnipeg

  7. Selkirk: Spring Melt Notice Regarding Standing Water:

    The City of Selkirk’s Operations Department is actively steaming culverts and drains to manage the spring thaw. The city reminds residents that standing water on streets is intentional, as streets are designed to hold water at a controlled rate before it enters the drain system. This is not considered an emergency unless water is approaching a home or entering a basement.

    Source: City of Selkirk

  8. West St. Paul: RFP Issued for Recreation Centre Concession:

    The RM is currently seeking a new operator for the concession stand at the West St. Paul Access Centre. RFP 2026-04 was published on March 19, with a focus on providing diverse food options for community sport spectators.

    Source: RM of West St. Paul

  9. Selkirk: Proposed Multi-Year Water & Wastewater Rate Hikes:

    The City of Selkirk has applied to the Public Utilities Board for a series of water and wastewater rate increases. If approved, the minimum quarterly charge would rise from the current $111.18 to $118.52 in 2026, eventually reaching $134.47 by 2028. The city states the increases are necessary to maintain the long-term sustainability of its modern utility infrastructure.

    Source: Manitoba Public Utilities Board

  10. East St. Paul: Transfer Station Reopens Following Vandalism Repair:

    After a brief closure due to acts of property damage, the East St. Paul Transfer Station officially reopened to residents on Friday, March 20, 2026. The RM continues to ask for community vigilance to prevent further incidents.

    Source: RM of East St. Paul

  11. West St. Paul: Recreation Master Plan Survey Closing Soon:

    The RM is urging residents to provide final feedback for the new Recreation Master Plan by March 27. The survey results will dictate future investments in parks, trails, and indoor facilities over the next decade.

    Source: RM of West St. Paul

  12. St. Clements: Sump Pump Discharge Reminder Issued:

    The RM issued a public reminder on March 10 that sump pumps must discharge into municipal ditches or on-property. Discharging directly onto paved roads is a violation of municipal by-laws as it causes hazardous ice build-up.

    Source: RM of St. Clements

  13. East St. Paul: Outdoor Rinks Officially Closed for the 2025/26 Season:

    Due to consistent mild temperatures and the onset of the spring melt, the RM officially closed all outdoor skating rinks on March 20. Crews have begun dismantling the boards for summer storage.

    Source: RM of East St. Paul

  1. Niverville Man Arrested After Window Escape Attempt and Standoff:

    On Sunday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m., Steinbach RCMP tracked 31-year-old Tyler Sawatzky to a residence on Hanover Street in Steinbach. Sawatzky, who was wanted for breaching release conditions, attempted to climb out a back window before retreating inside and refusing to cooperate. Following a period of negotiation with an RCMP crisis negotiator, Sawatzky surrendered. He remains in custody facing four new charges of failing to comply with a court order and four counts of resisting arrest.

    Source: SteinbachOnline

  2. Suspect Arrested Following Confrontation Over Stolen Equipment:

    Early Tuesday morning, March 24, Niverville RCMP responded to a commercial alarm on Fernwood Way in New Bothwell. The property owner observed a male suspect attempting to steal equipment and followed the suspect's pickup truck to Road 33E near Zhoda, where a confrontation occurred. Police arrived immediately and arrested 20-year-old Ryder Broesky of Sundown. Broesky was found to be driving a vehicle reported stolen in February and was also wanted on three separate warrants in Hanover, Niverville, and Winnipeg. He faces charges of break and enter and possession of stolen property, with a court date set for April 27 in St. Pierre-Jolys.

    Source: Manitoba RCMP

  3. Niverville RCMP Find Sleeping Occupants in Impaired Driving Incident:

    On March 23, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Niverville RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle stopped in the middle of the northbound lane of Provincial Road 200, north of PR 305. Officers arrived to find a vehicle parked in the dark with no lights on and two females sound asleep inside. After being awakened, the 42-year-old driver from Emerson was arrested for impairment. Breath samples provided at the St. Pierre-Jolys detachment were found to be over twice the legal limit. The driver was released with a court date of May 15, 2026, and her vehicle was impounded.

    Source: Manitoba RCMP

  4. Taché Public Works Strike Enters Second Month:

    As of March 24, the strike by 22 public works employees (represented by OEM 987) continues. However, a new offer was presented to Council recently that could see workers return before major spring flooding begins. Union representatives agreed to a three-year deal, matching the RM's desired timeline.

    Source: CBC News

  5. La Broquerie $10.7M Budget Passes First Reading:

    Council gave first reading to the 2026 budget, which includes a modest tax increase. Rural homeowners with a property value of $326,000 will see a $32 increase, while LUD residents (with average values of $289,000) will pay $44 more. The mill rate rise (0.8%) remains well below the provincial inflation rate.

    Source: The Carillon

  6. Ste. Anne Annexation Proposal Moves Forward:

    The Municipal Board of Manitoba has formally received a proposal to annex lands from the RM of Ste. Anne into the Town of Ste. Anne. A public map of the proposed expansion area is now available for resident review at the municipal office.

    Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  7. Steinbach Awards $4.3M Contract for Lift Station No. 1:

    On March 24, City Council awarded a $4,326,078 contract to Penn-Co Construction for major upgrades to Lift Station No. 1 on Park Road West. The project will nearly double the station’s pumping capacity (from 482 to 843 liters per second) to support the city's rapid northern growth.

    Source: SteinbachOnline

  8. Taché Business Breakfast and Strategic Planning:

    Despite labor tensions, the RM is moving forward with its economic development initiatives, recently hosting a business breakfast to discuss regional growth and the 2026 strategic plan for the Dawson Trail corridor.

    Source: RM of Taché

  9. RM of Ste. Anne Financial Plan Hearing April 8:

    The RM will hold its 2026 Financial Plan hearing on April 8 at 9:30 AM. Residents can attend in person or virtually. The plan outlines key infrastructure goals and the projected tax levy for the 2026 fiscal year.

    Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  10. Niverville: 2026 Budget Announced:

    Town Council presented the 2026 budget on March 18, outlining a 2.5% municipal tax increase—approximately $57 for a mid-range home. CAO Eric King noted that while administrative and recreation costs are rising, the town is launching several major projects this year. These include the three-year construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, a complete "makeover" of First Street North, and the replacement of aging 1960s-era clay sewer lines under Main Street. Additionally, the much-anticipated Highway 311 West reconstruction will begin, featuring a new roundabout and traffic lights at Krahn Road.

    Source: Niverville Citizen

  11. Springfield Planning Hearing Marathon On March 26:

    The RM is holding a series of public hearings this Thursday, March 26, for multiple Conditional Use and Zoning Variance applications (including files 26-03, 26-07, and 26-08). Residents can participate via Zoom.

    Source: RM of Springfield

  12. 2026 Spring Road Weight Restrictions:

    The City has officially announced that temporary weight restrictions took effect at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25. Roads classified as B1 will be restricted to 65% or 90% of normal axle loads to prevent damage during the thaw.

    Source: City of Steinbach

  13. Steinbach Aquatic Centre Spring Registration:

    Registration for spring swimming lessons opened this week on March 24, and continues through March 26. Residents are encouraged to use the online portal to secure spots for the upcoming session.

    Source: City of Steinbach

  14. Springfield 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing:

    A public hearing for the RM's 2026 Financial Plan is scheduled for April 15. Draft documents will be available for public review starting next week at the municipal office in Oakbank.

    Source: RM of Springfield

  15. De Salaberry 2026 Financial Plan Hearing:

    The formal public hearing for the 2026 Financial Plan is set for late April. Residents can review the draft budget, which includes proposed infrastructure spending for the LUD of St. Pierre-Jolys.

    Source: RM of De Salaberry

  16. Seine River Crossing Construction Warning:

    Two coffer dams have been installed upstream and downstream of a major structure project in the RM of Ste. Anne. Residents are warned to stay away from the active construction site for safety during the spring high-water period.

    Source: RM of Ste. Anne

  17. Strengthening Emergency Medical Response in Emerson-Franklin:

    The RM has issued a progress report on its Firefighter First Responder initiative. The program has successfully reduced medical response times in remote parts of the municipality over the first quarter of 2026.

    Source: Municipality of Emerson-Franklin

  18. Border Land School Division to Cut Wards from 7 to 4:

    BLSD announced it will reduce its wards ahead of the fall election. Ward 1 will now include Sprague, Piney, Sundown, and Buffalo Point First Nation. This change will not affect school catchment areas or bus routes.

    Source: The Carillon

  19. Hanover Road Restrictions Began March 25:

    Hanover confirmed that its spring road restrictions would begin on March 25. Signage is currently being posted across the RM’s B1 municipal roads.

    Source: RM of Hanover

  20. RM of Piney 2026 Spring Seedling Program:

    The RM has announced that 800 Red Pine seedlings are available for residents this spring. Distribution will take place through the municipal office in Vassar; interested residents should reserve their trees now.

    Source: RM of Piney

  21. Spring Break Camp 2026 at HyLife Centre:

    Registration is currently open for the La Broquerie Spring Break Camp, scheduled for March 30. The camp will be held at the HyLife Centre and offers full-day programming for local youth.

    Source: RM of La Broquerie

  22. Steinbach 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing:

    Council held its formal public hearing for the 2026 Financial Plan on March 17. The budget focuses heavily on flood mitigation following recent storm seasons, including a $100,000 annual sanitary sewer maintenance program.

    Source: City of Steinbach

  1. Lac du Bonnet 2026 Deficit Recovery Debenture:

    As part of a court-sanctioned plan following a provincial audit, Town residents will see the first of several annual debenture payments on their 2026 property tax bills. The funds are earmarked to clear a historical municipal deficit and stabilize the Town's finances.

    Source: Town of Lac du Bonnet

  2. RM Private Well Water Testing Days 2026:

    The RM of Reynolds has announced subsidized well water testing days for residents. Sample kits can be picked up at the municipal office in Hadashville, with designated drop-off dates scheduled throughout May/ June to ensure safe drinking water following the spring thaw.

    Source: RM of Reynolds

  3. Special Meeting: First Reading of the New Development Plan:

    The Lac du Bonnet Planning District held a special meeting on March 24 for the first and second reading of By-Law 01-2026. This new Development Plan will govern land use, environmental protection, and residential density across the RM and Town for the next decade.

    Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

  4. Brokenhead 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing Set for April 14:

    Public notice was given on March 24 that Council will present its 2026 Financial Plan at a hearing in April. Copies of the plan will be available for public inspection starting April 10 at the municipal office.

    Source: RM of Brokenhead

  5. Reynolds Public Hearing for 2026 Financial Plan Set for May 5:

    The RM has officially scheduled its 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing for May 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Council will present the tax levy and expenditure projections for the coming year.

    Source: RM of Reynolds

  6. RM of Reynolds Zoning By-Law Public Hearing Adjourned to May:

    The Municipal Board of Manitoba has adjourned the hearing regarding the RM’s comprehensive Zoning By-Law (No. 04-2025) until May 20–22, 2026. The adjournment allows for further review of resident objections regarding land use.

    Source: Municipal Board of Manitoba

  7. Spring Tree Seedling Giveaway Announced:

    The RM of Brokenhead has announced its annual Spring Tree Seedling Giveaway for March 24. Residents can sign up to receive a variety of native species to help improve local windbreaks and property aesthetics.

    Source: RM of Brokenhead

  8. Interlake-Eastern RHA "Spirit of Caring" Course:

    The Interlake-Eastern RHA is inviting residents to a free nine-week "Spirit of Caring" volunteer education course running Wednesdays from April 8 to June 3. Led by spiritual health coordinator Ferdinand Funk, the sessions cover critical topics including communication, supporting those through death and dying, and understanding trauma and compassion. The course is designed to train volunteers to support people during health crises. Sessions will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m., with the location (or a virtual Microsoft Teams option) to be determined based on where participants are registered.

    Source: Interlake-Eastern RHA

  9. Ever Thought About Running for Council?" Info Session:

    With municipal elections approaching this fall, the RM of Reynolds posted a notice on March 17 inviting residents to an information session on the roles and responsibilities of becoming a council member.

    Source: RM of Reynolds

  10. Lifeguard and Swim Instructor Recruitment:

    The Town has posted multiple openings for lifeguards and swim instructors for the 2026 season. Applications are due by mid-April to ensure the community pool is fully staffed for summer lessons.

    Source: Town of Beausejour

  11. RM Fire Smart Program Resident Survey:

    The Lac du Bonnet Emergency Management Organization has launched a survey to gauge resident awareness of the Fire Smart Program. The data will be used to develop a localized wildfire mitigation strategy ahead of the 2026 summer season.

    Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

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