The Rural Municipality of Grahamdale has thrown its support behind a proposed upgrade to Provincial Road 239, even as several other major infrastructure projects remain in limbo.
At its March 12 council meeting, council voted to support “Alternative 2” for planned improvements to PR 239 east of Steep Rock. The option, identified by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) and engineering consultants KGS Group, would improve road geometry to meet minimum safety guidelines, though it may require some land acquisition and impact nearby properties.
The selected option also includes potential changes to sightlines near a farmyard access point and some tree removal, but was deemed a balanced approach compared to other alternatives ruled out due to higher environmental impact, cost and land requirements. Only 13.8 kilometres of PR 239 are being upgraded, leaving the remaining approximately seven kilometres tied to the Outlet Channels Project without a construction timeline.
Reeve Craig Howse said the upgrade offers several benefits, including improved safety, increased maximum truck weights, wider traffic lanes, better visibility through the removal of overgrown vegetation and improved drainage.
He added the RM has expressed safety concerns regarding municipal road intersections with PR 239 and is working with MTI and KGS Group to find solutions.
While council moved forward on the road project, several other infrastructure-related items were deferred, including discussions around the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels, the Steep Rock drainage project, a proposed quarry development and a provincial access road.
Council also approved several spending and operational decisions tied to municipal services.
More than $234,000 in accounts payable and $10,500 in payroll were approved, alongside continued investment in public works operations. Council authorized the hiring of Greg Ogonoski as the municipality’s new public works manager, with a start date of March 23 and a wage of $32 per hour. The previous manager resigned in January, and Ogonoski has worked with the RM for the past couple of years, including covering for former manager Danny Granberg during a leave of absence last year.
Assistant chief administrative officer Devan McCoubrey said the municipality faced challenges with snow removal this winter without a public works manager for the first quarter but was grateful for the work and support provided by contractors. Staff also relied on clear communication from the municipal office and residents, encouraging community members to report concerns about road conditions.
“Overall, it was very much a team effort and we really appreciate the patience of our residents,” McCoubrey said.
Administration is also preparing for a potential wet spring, focusing on drainage and possible water-related issues.
Council approved a 2.4 per cent cost-of-living increase for municipal staff, along with additional merit increases for select positions, including the assistant CAO and interim chief financial officer.
The staffing decisions come as the municipality continues to manage service demands, including winter road maintenance. Council approved the hiring of additional snow-clearing equipment at a rate of $295 per hour for up to 30 hours to address problem areas on municipal roads.
On the capital planning side, council took an initial step toward a new fire department storage building, approving $14,500 for a geotechnical investigation to assess site conditions and inform design and construction.
Council also approved a $10,000 contribution to the Lakeshore Handivan Association to support accessible transportation services in the region. McCoubrey said the Handivan is an essential service.
“The Handivan is what will allow residents to continue to access banking services, among other services like health care, groceries and insurance,” she said. “This is something our council has been talking about a lot. They see the value and want to explore how we can support an increased presence of the Handivan service within our community.”
Other decisions included the renewal of a five-year forage lease and approval for staff and council to attend upcoming training sessions, conferences and municipal meetings.
Looking ahead, council heard from a delegation exploring potential tourism initiatives in the area, including trail development and enhancements to existing recreational assets. While no formal requests were made, the discussion signals early interest in expanding tourism opportunities within the municipality. Council is also finalizing its 2026 financial plan.
