The RM of Armstrong’s current council is marking a noteworthy milestone, celebrating one year since they were elected.
At the July 22 council meeting, Reeve Garry Wasylowski congratulated all members on a great year, noting that they have come a long way with much work ahead of them.
Last April, four of the six council members resigned, which prompted the province to dissolve the remaining council due to a loss of quorum. Manitoba’s Municipal and Northern Affairs appointed an administrator to ensure the municipality’s day-to-day operations continued. There were no council meetings from April 23 to July 23, 2024.
In August 2024, Wasylowski and five councillors were sworn in following a byelection and they hit the ground running. One of their first tasks was to hire a new CAO, so they brought Colleen Mayer on board in October.
The current council will serve until October 2026 when the next general election will take place.
In other council news:
• The RM of Armstrong declared a state of agricultural emergency at their July 22 council meeting.
• Council conditionally approved the Bring Your Love Festival at the Ledwich family farm, which will take place from Aug. 14 to 18. One of the conditions is that they must manage restricted decibel levels after the headliner performs and use a state-of-the-art sound management system. The levels must comply with instructions from the bylaw officer. According to the Bring Your Love website, the event will feature more than 100 DJs and 30-plus performers.
• Council conditionally approved a request to allow a mobile home as a permanent residence at a Fraserwood property.
• Council conditionally approved a request to use a mobile home as a temporary residence as an additional dwelling at a Meleb property. The mobile home will be used for the homeowners’ parents.
• Council approved the 2025 budget for annual road repairs at $141,744.
• Council approved the placement of a street light by Manitoba Hydro at the corner of Highway 17 and 121N in Chatfield.
• Groundwater sampling and monitoring will begin at the Meleb waste disposal grounds.
• Council approved a $1,400 quote from Loewen Drafting for drafting and design work for renovations in the public works shop.
• Council approved a landowner right-of-way agreement between the RM of Armstrong and the Interlake Off Road Club as well as its affiliate the All Terrain Association of Manitoba Inc.
• The RM of Armstrong will donate $250 to the Interlake Thunder Football Club to help offset the rental cost of lighting for evening practices.
• Council unanimously passed Bylaw 5-2025 to regulate activities at the Inwood waste transfer station, the Chatfield waste transfer station and the Meleb waste disposal ground.
• Council conditionally approved a subdivision request from a property owner looking to separate a farmstead from the rest of the property.
• Council approved an annual beaver control policy in an effort to control problem beavers in the municipality, effective June 24 for one year. The policy includes the opening of beaver dams in municipal drains, provincial drains and private property. Council will pay a bounty of $75 plus mileage at a rate of 56 cents per kilometre for each beaver caught in the municipality where authorized by council. Only licensed trappers, registered at the municipality, will be paid per beaver tail submitted. Trappers must have a completed trapper authorization form signed by both the trapper and the CAO prior to trapping; otherwise, no payment will be made.
• Council approved a new 4×6 sign for Madeline’s Closet at the corner of Railway Avenue and Highway 17, pending consultations with the provincial highways department and the Inwood Memory Garden committee. The organization will be responsible for installing and maintaining the sign.
• The RM contributed $100 in gift cards for the Inwood Memorial Community Hall’s Canada Day celebration.
• Council approved a $750 donation to the Fallen Heroes Foundation in memory of Second World War veterans Harry Chartrand of Inwood and Pete Trakalo of Meleb for displays in their communities.
• The Fisher Armstrong Planning District is updating its development plan. A community visioning workshop took place on July 24 to allow members of the public to share their vision for the future of the planning district. For those who were unable to attend, information and an online survey are posted on the RM of Armstrong’s website at rmofarmstrong.com
