The Rural Municipality of Grey has formally adopted its 2026 tax levy bylaw while approving a series of drainage projects, community grants and public works expenditures aimed at supporting infrastructure and services throughout the municipality.
Council gave second and third reading to By-law No. 02-2026 during its May 6 meeting, establishing the municipality’s 2026 tax levy rates in accordance with The Municipal Act.
The meeting also saw council advance several drainage initiatives as spring water management work continues across the municipality.
Council approved a drainage licence application for work in the area of Sections 4-9-7 and 5-9-7, including ditch cleaning, culvert adjustments and the installation of additional drainage infrastructure. The municipality also approved an amended private drainage licence application from Barkhouse Farms at W-6-8-5W, allowing water to run between May 15 and Nov. 18 each year, subject to municipal oversight and flood-related restrictions.
Additional drainage applications were approved for approach widening projects in several locations, with Grand Colony responsible for associated costs.
Council also approved first-quarter community grants totalling $15,250. The largest allocation was $10,600 for the Elm Creek Skating Rink, while the RM of Grey Fire Department received $2,500. Other recipients included local curling rinks, community organizations, the Elm Creek Cemetery and Canada Day celebrations.
Several public works expenditures were authorized during the meeting.
Council approved repairs to municipal vehicle M23 at a cost of $1,352.56 plus taxes and ratified the purchase of a replacement turbo for vehicle M79 for $7,500 plus applicable taxes.
In anticipation of rising steel prices, council also authorized a bulk culvert purchase of up to $36,000, including PST, from Armtec. The order will be divided equally among the municipality’s four wards, with each ward allocated up to $9,000 for priority culvert projects.
Council approved updates to a development agreement with Halarda Farms Ltd. to add two properties to an existing calcium dust-control program.
The municipality also endorsed several RFNow proposals to expand fibre-optic infrastructure within the RM, including projects near O’Connor Road 50N and along Provincial Trunk Highway 13. The approvals are subject to utility locates and any requirements imposed by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure.
Council received reports from the RM of Grey Fire Department, Treherne RCMP and Community Futures Heartland, and authorized Reeve Gail Johnson and the chief administrative officer to attend the Association of Manitoba Municipalities Central District meeting in Holland on June 15.
