Selkirk RCMP Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Fuel Theft Suspect:

RCMP have released a surveillance photo of a man believed to be responsible for multiple fuel thefts in Selkirk, Clandeboye, and Gimli. The suspect, described as being in his mid-40s with a moustache, drives a white Ford truck with stolen plates. The most recent theft occurred at a business on Manitoba Avenue in Selkirk.

→ Source: Portage Online

RCMP Continue Search for Missing Selkirk Man:

Police are still requesting any information regarding a local Selkirk man who has been missing since Christmas Eve. Ground searches in the Interlake region have been hampered by recent snowfall, and officials are urging residents to check their outbuildings and trail camera footage.

→ Source: CBC News

Selkirk 2025 Growth Report Highlights "Achievement and Expansion":

The City of Selkirk released its year-end summary on January 5, noting record-breaking commercial and residential growth over the past year. Key achievements cited include the completion of major infrastructure renewals and the formalization of Selkirk’s withdrawal from the regional "Plan 20-50" framework.

→ Source: City of Selkirk

Selkirk Lift Bridge (PR 204) Virtual Public Engagement Scheduled:

The Province of Manitoba has confirmed that "Round 3" of the public engagement process for the rehabilitation of the 90-year-old Selkirk Bridge will take place in January 2026. This virtual session will reveal the preliminary design for the bridge, which officials have confirmed will feature a fixed lift section to ensure long-term structural stability.

→ Source: RM of St. Andrews (See Item 9.2, Dec 9, 2025 session)

Selkirk to Host 2026 Bunge Men’s Provincial Curling Championships:

The City of Selkirk is preparing for a major sports tourism boost as it hosts the Bunge Men’s Provincials from February 3–8, 2026. The Selkirk Curling Club and City Council are currently finalizing sponsorship and logistics for the high-profile event.

→ Source: Selkirk Curling Club

West St. Paul Sets Public Hearing for Significant New Subdivision:

A public hearing is scheduled for Jan 8, 2026, regarding a proposed subdivision at 618 Rossmore Avenue. This project is part of the ongoing residential densification in the southern portion of the RM.

→ Source: Red River Planning District

East St. Paul Implements New Noise Nuisance By-law for 2026:

In response to community feedback, East St. Paul Council has given the first reading to a new Noise Nuisance By-law (2025-12). The updated regulations aim to better define quiet hours and manage industrial and residential noise levels as the community becomes more densely populated.

→ Source: RM of East St. Paul

St. Andrews Sweeps Two Major Titles in Manitoba Good Roads Competition: The RM of St. Andrews has officially been recognized for excellence in road maintenance and beautification. During the late 2025 awards, the municipality secured two wins in the Manitoba Good Roads competition, highlighting the success of the local public works team’s 2025 infrastructure season.

→ Source: Manitoba Good Roads Association

CancerCare Manitoba Breast Screening Clinic in East St. Paul:

CancerCare Manitoba invites women age 50+ to a mobile breast cancer screening clinic set for the week of January 26 – February 5, 2026. The mobile unit will be located in the parking lot near the East St. Paul Arena. Residents are encouraged to book appointments at 1-855-95-CHECK

→ Source: RM of East St. Paul

St. Clements Connect Alert System Reaches Record Enrollment:

The RM’s emergency and community alert system, "St. Clements Connect," saw a major spike in registrations following the winter storm advisories in late 2025. Council continues to urge residents to sign up to receive localized updates via voice, text, or email.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

West St. Paul Welcomes New Retail Hub as Tim Hortons Opens:

The commercial landscape of West St. Paul continues to grow with the grand opening of a new Tim Hortons location on Main Street (Dec 24, 2025). This is a key milestone in the RM’s strategy to increase local commercial services for residents and passing commuters.

→ Source: RM of West St. Paul

St. Clements Launching Intensive Dutch Elm Disease Removal Program: Starting in early January 2026, the RM has contracted Green Drop to begin the removal of infected elm trees throughout East Selkirk and surrounding areas. This proactive measure is part of the 2026 DED management plan to protect the community’s old-growth canopy.

→ Source: RM of St. Clements

Lord Selkirk School Division Begins Prep for 2026 Trustee Elections:

While the election isn't until October 28, 2026, the LSSD board has already begun releasing informational materials for potential candidates. This initiative aims to encourage community participation in local education governance.

→ Source: Lord Selkirk School Division News

Crown Royal Players' Championship Kicks Off at Southeast Event Centre:

The world’s elite curlers have arrived in Steinbach for the final Grand Slam event of the 2026 season. Starting January 6, 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams (including local favorites Team Dunstone and Team McEwen) are competing for a $480,000 purse. This is the first Grand Slam event held in Manitoba since 2018.

→ Source: Sportsnet

Hwy 59 Twinning Included in 2026 Provincial Infrastructure Outlook:

Commuters are seeing "early-stage optimism" as the twinning of Highway 59 south of Île-des-Chênes has been identified as a high-priority corridor in the 2026 Manitoba Multi-Year Infrastructure Plan. Transportation Minister Lisa Naylor confirmed that the province is prioritizing twinning projects and bridge replacements to support trade routes and community safety. While a start date for "shovels in the ground" isn't finalized, land acquisition and design work are noted in the 2026 capital budget talks.

→ Source: Niverville Citizen

Design Selected for High-Risk Ste. Anne Intersection (Hwy 12 and 210):

Following three phases of public and municipal engagement, the Province has finalized the design for the intersection of PTH 12 and PR 210. The selected "Restricted Crossing U-Turn" (RCUT) model will eliminate high-risk direct crossings and left turns from PR 210. Instead, drivers will turn right and use dedicated U-turn lanes with their own acceleration and deceleration zones. The project, which also includes new paths for cyclists, is moving into the detailed design and land acquisition phase with construction anticipated for the 2026/2027 season.

→ Source: Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure

Hanover School Division Finalizes Massive Catchment Shifts for 2026:

To combat overcrowding at Steinbach Regional (SRSS), the board has approved a plan to redirect future Grade 9 students starting in Fall 2026. New Bothwell students will now attend Niverville High, and Kleefeld students will move to Green Valley School in Grunthal. SRSS enrollment is currently projected to surpass 2,300 students by late 2026.

→ Source: Hanover School Division

RCMP Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Collision Near St. Jean:

RCMP reported a tragic incident on Highway 75 near St. Jean this week. A semi-truck driver who had exited his vehicle was fatally struck. Police are using this incident to remind Eastline residents of the dangers of foggy, low-visibility conditions on high-speed provincial routes.

→ Source: Manitoba RCMP

Tache Community Centre in Lorette Frames Up for 2027 Opening:

Mayor Armand Poirier confirmed that the new community centre is now fully framed and work is progressing daily. While construction is on track for a February 2027 opening, the RM will continue to use the old arena for the 2026 winter season. The mayor also highlighted the "absolute necessity" of a new wastewater treatment plant to support ongoing regional growth.

→ Source: SteinbachOnline

Grunthal Arena Expansion Enters RFP Phase:

The RM of Hanover has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Grunthal Arena expansion. This project is a key part of the municipality’s 2026 recreation plan to accommodate the growing population in the Grunthal and Kleefeld areas.

→ Source: RM of Hanover

Niverville Council Approves Variance for "Bronstone Drive" Road Naming: During the January 6 council meeting, officials moved forward with the first and second readings of Bylaw 885-26 to name a new roadway "Bronstone Drive." The meeting also addressed conditional use applications for unit expansions at Wittick St and 6th Avenue North to support local business growth.

→ Source: Town of Niverville

Landmark and Lorette LUDs Host 2026 Service Plan Meetings:

The Local Urban District (LUD) committees for both Landmark and Lorette met on January 6, 2026, to finalize their "Service Plans." These plans dictate the 2026 budget for local road maintenance, ditching, and park management within the RM of Tache. Residents can expect the finalized capital plan for road replacements to be presented to council on January 13.

→ Source: RM of Tache

Mixed-Use Development at 31 Loewen Blvd Approved:

Steinbach City Council has officially cleared the way for a major four-storey mixed-use building at the corner of Loewen Boulevard and Highway 12. The project, proposed by Three Way Builders, includes 33 residential units on the upper floors and over 10,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground level. Council noted the development will increase local housing density and bring "after-five" vibrancy to the commercial corridor. Shovels are expected to be in the ground later this year.

→ Source: SteinbachOnline

La Broquerie Leisure Classes Resume at HyLife Centre:

The RM of La Broquerie officially launched its 2026 winter session for Zumba, Strength training, and Yoga this week. Classes are held at the HyLife Centre, with youth pottery and "Stay and Play" programs scheduled to begin later in the month.

→ Source: RM of La Broquerie

New Cancer Support Group Gains Momentum in Steinbach:

A new regional support group for those affected by cancer has launched its first 2026 meetings this week. Organizers say the group aims to fill a gap for residents who previously had to travel to Winnipeg for community-based emotional and practical support.

→ Source: SteinbachOnline

St. Adolphe Dike Flood Pump Station Replacement Funded:

As part of the 2026 infrastructure plan, the province has awarded a contract for the full replacement of the flood pump station at the St. Adolphe Dike. The project is critical for protecting the RM of Ritchot from Red River surges during future spring melts.

→ Source: MB Transportation & Infrastructure

Springfield Expands Residential Lead Monitoring Program to Anola:

The RM of Springfield is looking for 30 volunteer residences in Dugald and Oakbank to participate in the 2026 Residential Lead Monitoring Program. The program, mandated by the province, will expand to include Anola later this year. The initiative tests tap water in older homes (pre-1990) to ensure plumbing fixtures aren't leaching contaminants

→ Source: RM of Springfield

Steinbach Pistons Donate $9,000 to Southeast Cancer Support:

In a heartwarming start to the year, the Steinbach Pistons announced on January 4, 2026, that their annual jersey auction raised $4,500. The team’s board of directors matched the total, delivering a $9,000 cheque to Southeast Cancer Support Services. The funds will stay local to assist residents with transportation and support costs during treatment.

→ Source: Steinbach Pistons

"Winter in the Village" Series Returns to Mennonite Heritage Village:

The MHV in Steinbach has officially launched its 2026 winter programming. Starting January 10, the village will host "Winter in the Village" every Saturday, featuring skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. New for this year is an Exhibit Explorers Story Time for children on January 8 and a Pioneer Sewing Workshop scheduled for January 24.

→ Source: Mennonite Heritage Village

Manitoba "Most Wanted" Suspect Arrested in Black River First Nation:

On New Year's Eve, Powerview RCMP arrested 25-year-old Brock Mann at a residence in Black River First Nation. Mann, who was on the "Manitoba Most Wanted" list, was apprehended following a tip that he was hiding at the location and potentially in possession of a firearm. He remains in custody as of the first week of January.

→ Source: Manitoba RCMP

Brokenhead RM Hosts Open House for Zoning By-Law Overhaul:

The RM of Brokenhead is in the final stages of reviewing Zoning By-Law No. 2269-25. Following a well-attended informational open house in late December, Council is preparing for a formal public hearing in late January 2026. The new by-law aims to modernize land-use rules for home-based businesses and secondary suites across the municipality.

→ Source: RM of Brokenhead

Radon Action Month Launched Across Boreal Boundary:

The RMs of Reynolds and Whitemouth have officially joined the "Take Action on Radon" initiative as of January 1, 2026. Residents can pick up test kits at municipal offices to check for the odorless gas, which is prevalent in the rocky terrain of the eastern Boreal region.

→ Source: RM of Reynolds

Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet Officially Merge Recreation Departments: Effective January 1, 2026, the Town of Lac du Bonnet and the RM of Lac du Bonnet have combined their recreation departments into a single entity. The move is designed to streamline branding, communication, and program coordination. Residents are encouraged to check the newly launched joint recreation website for 2026 winter programming.

→ Source: Town of Lac du Bonnet

RM of Alexander Targets Recreation Grants in Jan 13 Meeting:

The first Governance Meeting of 2026 for the RM of Alexander is set for Jan 13 in St. Georges. Key agenda items include the review of provincial recreation grant applications for the St. Georges beach area and updates on maintenance schedules for PR 304, which serves as a vital link for the northern Boreal communities.

→ Source: RM of Alexander

Beausejour Industrial Park Plots Open for 2026 Expansion:

The Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corporation (BBDC) has listed several new serviced industrial lots on Mazur Avenue and Sixth Street North. The town is positioning itself as the "frontrunner for industrial expansion in Eastern Manitoba" for 2026, citing its proximity to PTH 44 and divided highways leading to the US border.

→ Source: Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corp.

Whitemouth Student 3D-Prints 300 Toys for Children’s Hospital:

Ian Hindrichs, a Grade 4 student at Whitemouth School, has gained regional attention this week for his philanthropic project. Using his own 3D printer, Ian is in the process of printing 300 miniature toys to donate to the Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, inspired by a request for donations he saw while visiting the city.

→ Source: CTV News

RM of Lac du Bonnet Launches 2026 Draft Development Plan:

A major overhaul of the municipality's Zoning By-Laws and Development Plan is underway. The RM, alongside M Richard Associates, has released the 2026 Draft Amended Development Plan for public review. The plan focuses on sustainable growth for cottage associations and managing short-term rental developments.

→ Source: RM of Lac du Bonnet

Whitemouth Strategic Plan (2023-2026) Final Year Review:

As the RM enters the final year of its current Strategic Plan, Council is focusing on "Community Safety and Wellness" for 2026. This includes ongoing advocacy for the Whitemouth Health Centre and finalizing infrastructure upgrades to the Whitemouth fire department services.

→ Source: RM of Whitemouth

RM of Alexander Sets 2026 Governance Meeting Schedule:

Council has officially released its 2026 meeting calendar, with Governance and Regular meetings scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in St. Georges. The first major session of the year on January 13 is expected to address ongoing road maintenance on PR 304 and upcoming recreation grant applications.

→ Source: RM of Alexander

Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby Prep Hits Full Swing:

Organizers for the 2026 Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby have issued a call for snow-clearing tenders for the Feb 28 event. Early-bird ticket pricing is currently in effect until Feb 8, and the first 325 youth to check in on derby day will receive a free rod and reel combo. The committee is currently finalizing the layout on the Winnipeg River near the Town Dock.

→ Source: Lac du Bonnet Ice Fishing Derby

The Abrams Set to Perform in Pinawa (Jan 23):

The Eastern Manitoba Concert Association (EMCA) is bringing JUNO-nominated country-bluegrass duo The Abrams to the Pinawa Community Centre on Friday, January 23. This marks the first major cultural event of 2026 for the Pinawa area, with tickets already nearing a sell-out.

→ Source: EMCA Concert Series

Ste. Rita "Winter Bingo" Series Kicks Off in RM of Reynolds:

The Friendly Hands Club in Ste. Rita has officially launched its 2026 winter circuit. Every Sunday night in January at 4:30 PM, the club hosts regional Bingo, while "Chase the Ace" sessions are held every Friday. These events remain a primary social hub for residents in the Reynolds and Hadashville areas during the winter months.

→ Source: RM of Reynolds