Declan Schroeder

The Council discussed and approved several items, including a municipal gravel road use agreement with Manitoba Hydro, a change in operating hours for the PR214 transfer station, and the procurement of concrete slab sections for the Wood Duck boat launch dredging project. They further authorized a development agreement related to subdivision 4139-25-7858, formally rejected a separate proposed subdivision in the RM of Lac du Bonnet due to policy and environmental concerns, and approved several new hires for the fire department. Additionally, the Council authorized funding under the Green Team program, co-sponsored an AMM resolution to lobby the province to modernize communication legislation regarding statutory notices, and approved attendance at the local Legion Decoration Day. Finally, the third and final reading of the Designated Officer Bylaw was completed.

The council held a public hearing regarding the 2026 financial plan. Key topics included the strategic priorities for the budget, which are centered on governance, infrastructure and equipment, economic development, and regional initiatives. The council discussed the financial impact of the 2025 wildfire and subsequent recovery efforts, ongoing inflationary pressures, and plans for infrastructure projects such as road maintenance, fire hall renovations, and airport expansion. Future initiatives for ratepayer savings through competitive procurement for services like bin hauling and road grading were also outlined.

The council held several public hearings regarding variance orders for property developments, which were subsequently approved. Key agenda items included the approval of municipal accounts, expense claims, and the adoption of the 2026 financial plan. Discussion also covered economic development at the regional airport, the impact of recent financial challenges due to emergency events, and ongoing efforts to secure funding and achieve self-sustainability for critical infrastructure projects.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the amended agenda. Council committee reports highlighted engagement with other municipalities regarding community initiatives such as the welcome to Lacabon bags program, which is garnering interest from other communities. Updates were provided on budget processes, including discussions with the fire department and EMS regarding upcoming fiscal year needs. Significant time was dedicated to planning for assisted living supportive housing in conjunction with the LDB Heritage Corporation, which involves a community survey to determine Phase 2 needs for continuous senior care. Discussions also covered crown lands, the airport, and Red Admiral projects. Furthermore, a tour was conducted for a potential site for a healthcare training course with colleges in anticipation of the PCH opening, though the original venue venue (adult education center) rescinded their availability, necessitating a search for new, accessible space (approximately 4,000 square feet). The development planning public hearing also featured significant community engagement. A highlight included representing the RM at a fishing derby with student doctors from the University of Manitoba, which is noted as a key factor in physician recruitment efforts.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the amended agenda, which included an addition. Minutes from the February 24th, 2026 regular council meeting were adopted. Key financial discussions involved the approval of accounts totaling $165,728.73 and the approval of council indemnity and expense claims for February 2026. Finance items included the authorization to transfer $40,995 from Manitoba accessibility funding to the economic development reserve for the accessible municipal website project, and the subsequent transfer of $22,183.88 from the economic development reserve back to the general operating fund to offset costs for the accessible audit project. Financial statements for review as of December 31st, 2025, and January 31st, 2026, were presented. Under Public Works, the minutes from the February 24th, 2026 meeting were adopted, and the final report from a public works survey, conducted between January 30th and February 22nd, 2026, involving 97 respondents, was accepted and authorized for publication. Council also authorized temporary storage of 10 yards of rip rap material on public reserve land for three to four weeks, contingent upon the resident signing an agreement for site restoration. Furthermore, council approved entering into a waste collection service agreement with SNJ Pickup Company, authorizing the use of the RM of Lacmon transfer station, pending presentation to local business owners. Finally, approval was granted for the installation of a street light at the intersection of PR 313 and Wendigo Road at a cost of $9,328, to be included in the 2026 financial plan. Delegations addressed requests for a street light at the Fisher Grove south entrance, the installation of a play structure in the common area (with the association accepting responsibility for maintenance), and inquired about the procedure for bylaw complaints, noting that the council acts as an appeal mechanism.