The Rural Municipality of West Interlake is moving forward with its annual tax enforcement process while also facing mounting infrastructure pressures tied to projected growth.
At its Feb. 17 council meeting, council approved a three-year agreement with Taxervice Inc. to manage tax arrears recovery on the municipality’s behalf and designated 2025 as the tax sale year — meaning properties with unpaid taxes from 2024 or earlier could be auctioned.
According to chief administrative officer Gary Campbell, there are currently 51 properties in tax arrears, a number he described as typical for the municipality.
Council did not specify how many of those properties could ultimately proceed to tax sale. Campbell noted the three-year agreement with Taxervice is a standard arrangement the company provides.
Alongside tax enforcement, council reviewed several items pointing to long-term growth and infrastructure challenges, particularly in Ashern.
A recent water system growth study projects the community’s population could increase from 662 residents to 947 by 2045, placing added demand on existing infrastructure.
“Estimated usage was forecast out with moderate growth until the year 2045. The population within the town of Ashern is estimated at 662 people and projected to reach 947 people by 2045 in the study,” Campbell said.
The study outlines significant upgrades, including larger distribution pipes, reconfigured water lines and improvements to the water treatment plant, with a total estimated cost of $12.5 million.
While the current system continues to meet existing demand, it falls short of recommended fire flow standards.
“The study recommends a fire flow of 63 litres per second for a duration of one hour. Current system capability is roughly 31.5 litres per second, which has been adequate to serve the current population, both residential and commercial, but leaves room for improvement to reach the targeted mark highlighted in the study,” Campbell added.
Council also approved a subdivision application with conditions aimed at mitigating flood risk, including elevation requirements and setbacks from waterways.
Campbell said both growth and environmental risks remain ongoing considerations for the municipality.
“Climate change and looking for ways to mitigate future fire and flood risks are consistently discussed with council. Given this year’s higher snow accumulation, we are closely monitoring conditions as the melt begins, and the possibility of more snow still exists. Residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to remain aware and take appropriate precautions.”
Council continues to work through issues related to the Boundary Line Drain, a long-standing file requiring regulatory approvals and coordination with landowners.
“It was made clear to us that day that an amendment to the existing Water Rights Licence — or the issuance of a new Water Rights Licence — would be a lengthy process with no shortcuts or exceptions,” Campbell said, noting additional surveying, landowner agreements and legal easements are still required.
In the interim, the municipality plans to manage spring runoff using monitoring tools and established thresholds.
“Our goal is to establish seasonal water elevations as the trigger for opening the culverts,” he said.
Other business included more than $157,000 in accounts payable and $25,390 in payroll, along with community donations and tourism-related spending.
Council also deferred a decision on bylaw enforcement services to gather more information.
“The decision on the bylaw services was postponed to allow for additional review to ensure all information is carefully considered before moving forward with any one company,” Campbell said.
He added council is aiming to improve enforcement consistency and responsiveness across the municipality.
“Council is looking to address concerns related to bylaw enforcement, including consistency, response times and ensuring municipal regulations are applied fairly and effectively across the municipality.”
A final decision is expected in the coming weeks.
