The Rural Municipality of Thompson is seeking provincial assistance for a comprehensive review of its water treatment and distribution system, a move council approved during its regular meeting Jan. 15.
Council voted unanimously to apply to the Manitoba Water Services Board for a full engineering study examining plant capacity and performance, system pressures, flow rates, distribution piping and related infrastructure. The study would be funded through a proposed 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement between the municipality and the province.
Administration was authorized to submit the application and supporting documentation on behalf of the municipality. The decision was part of a broader agenda focused on risk management, governance and long-term municipal planning.
Council adopted both an artificial intelligence policy and a cybersecurity policy and protocol, formalizing guidelines for the use of emerging technologies and measures to protect municipal systems and data.
Governance appointments were also confirmed, with Councillor Wayne Gall appointed deputy reeve for 2026 and Dianne Swain named senior election official for the upcoming municipal general election. Remuneration for election officials will be determined at a later date.
Council also designated 2025 as the municipality’s tax sale year, meaning properties with outstanding taxes from 2024 or earlier may be offered for sale by public auction. Costs associated with tax sales will be limited to actual expenses incurred by the municipality.
Community funding decisions were also addressed, with council approving its final round of 2025 grants for the Lloyd Orchard Arena, Miami Arts Association, Miami Christmas Cheer, Miami Fire and Rescue and the Miami Friendship Centre.
Looking ahead to 2026, council authorized applications to the Urban/Hometown Green Team program and the provincial From the Ground Up grant program, including a submission for upgrades at the Miami Cemetery.
Additional approvals included authorization to enter into an agreement with Way To Go Consulting Inc. to provide post-election council orientation and governance training.
