The Rural Municipality of Roland has taken the next steps toward a $1.15-million renovation of the Roland Memorial Hall following a public hearing and two subsequent council meetings in August.
On Aug. 11, 28 residents attended a public hearing to voice feedback on Local Improvement Plan No. 2025-01, which outlines both the scope and financing for the upgrades. Twelve participants spoke in favour of the plan, four objected, and three offered neutral responses. Two written objections were also submitted ahead of time, while others attended out of interest.
Reeve Jodi Gaultier said council weighed the mixed response carefully before moving ahead.
“The project was not taken lightly, but we feel it is important to upkeep our infrastructure as best we can to provide community spaces for current residents and the next generations as well,” she said. “While we did receive a few objections to the project, it was not enough to choose to terminate the project.”
The proposal would see the municipality borrow $500,000 over a 10-year term at an estimated six per cent interest, with annual payments of about $67,933. The remaining funds would come from reserves and gas tax revenues collected over the past five years. A flat-rate local improvement levy of $150.63 per parcel would be added to annual tax bills, or property owners could opt for a one-time payment of $1,108.65. Farmland is excluded from the levy.
Planned upgrades include new flooring, fresh paint, an improved sound system, fully renovated washrooms including a universal washroom, new storage facilities and—if funds allow—replacement tables and chairs. The RM office portion of the building will be demolished and rebuilt with new offices, a waiting room and staff facilities, while a new second storey will provide council chambers, staff room and additional storage. A lift and new HVAC system are also part of the design.
“The Memorial Hall had 181 rentals in 2024, so it is well used,” Gaultier told residents at the hearing. “By renovating the hall we will continue to provide a functional and lovely facility for rentals. This upgrade will ensure our hall is upkept for many generations to come.”
At its Aug. 12 regular meeting, council approved a $27,175 contract with Steckley Consulting Engineers for engineered drawings, plus $2,000 for additional request-for-proposal preparation work. Council also gave first reading to By-law 2025-11, the borrowing and local improvement bylaw tied to the project.
Before construction can begin, council must still pass second and third readings of By-law 2025-11 and secure provincial approval of the local improvement levy. Gaultier noted that the province has not yet provided any indication of approval, and the process can take as long as six months.
She added that while the ideal timeline would see a request for proposals go out later this fall with construction beginning in the spring once the frost has lifted, dates will depend on provincial approval and contractor schedules.
Rentals will also be affected once work begins.
“Rentals will certainly be disrupted during renovations, but we can’t guess for how long or when during the project until we have a start date and discuss with the contractor,” Gaultier said.
The renovations are expected to benefit both municipal staff and the broader community.
“The new office space will be of great benefit to the staff and in turn the ratepayers,” Gaultier said. “We have outgrown the current space and require more storage and workspace. The hall renovation will benefit community members who rent the space and participate in community events through better facilities and more accessible options. We have heard from many ratepayers over the years who were looking forward to a facelift for this building.”
Roland council deals with infrastructure, finances and recreation
While hall renovations dominated much of the discussion this month, Roland council also addressed a full slate of other municipal business at its August meetings.
At the Aug. 12 regular meeting, councillors approved budgetary control and income statements as of July 31, with accounts totalling $227,641.01 and payroll of $32,174.12. Reid & Associates was appointed as municipal auditor for 2025 and 2026.
Council also agreed to a contract with Councillor Carrie Hennan regarding reimbursement for the installation of water and sewer services on Blakeston Lane, with Hennan abstaining from the vote due to conflict of interest.
Infrastructure updates from the public works department included gravelling country roads and back lanes in Roland, repairing water leaks at several sites, flushing rural water lines and sewers, and replacing damaged culverts. Crews also handled asphalt patching, tree felling, sidewalk repairs, campground facility maintenance and training for new staff.
Drainage and development also featured on the agenda. Blumengart Colony received approval to complete its own drainage work, with conditions on culvert depth and water flow. Council declined one request for a local improvement exemption but granted permission for Jason Park to rent a municipal magnet for $100 per day.
Recreation programming continues to be popular in the municipality, with strong participation in summer events such as tie-dye, pottery classes and Small Town Bingo. Upcoming activities include a movie in the park, with plans to purchase a popcorn machine and a canvas screen.
Council also tabled discussions on refurbishment of the Millennium Pathway pending further quotes and agreed to redesign the municipal logo. A Chase the Ace fundraiser will proceed once required permits are in place.
