As the Municipality of Rhineland begins their planning for the year ahead, Reeve Don Wiebe says council still has several projects that are continuing from 2023.
The priority roads project, for example, is a multi-year plan with about 80 per cent funding from the federal government. Last year, a concrete road was installed along Road 18 West, which provided a new hard surface and dust-free access to the Rhineland West Ag Park. The drain tile was also installed.
“This year, the project will focus on rebuilding the road base so as to better accommodate ag-related traffic,” Wiebe said.
Another pending project is the Gnadenthal water reservoir. Rhineland has completed a study with assistance from the Water Service Board.
“The study concluded that a much larger water reservoir was needed, and this appears in our planning session,” Wiebe shared.
Rhineland has also applied for an infrastructure grant to enhance the road network for the agricultural community.
Wiebe expects that the much-anticipated Gretna arena project will begin early this year.
“The insulation in that arena is very poor. It’s getting an insulated roof, new weather-proof doors, and the front entrance will be redone for better accessibility.”
The $800,000 project will be largely covered by an energy grant, with Rhineland covering remaining costs.
With approval of DFA flood claims from floods in 2022, reparation has just begun on the border road east of Gretna. The south side of the road was severely eroded, and this portion of the road will be reinforced with large rocks to prevent this from happening again.
“This is a roughly $3 million endeavour that needs to be addressed,” stressed Wiebe.
Two other sites along the South Buffalo have also been approved, and the engineering work has been completed. That work is anticipated to begin this year.
“The 2023 flood claims are much smaller and many of the repairs were completed by our Public Works department,” Wiebe said. “The final approval of these claims will help with the unbudgeted expenses.”
Last year welcomed a much-needed project in Plum Coulee: the conversion of the old cardboard box plant into two sections, housing the public works and fire department.
Wiebe says they are presently waiting for new metal siding for the old part of the building, and the project will be complete.
“It’s going to look really good. The siding is scheduled for this winter, and we’re hoping to hold a grand opening in March.”
Although there were some initial project delays because of design and tendering issues, Wiebe says the new design with attached auxiliary space for the department was more feasible cost-wise.
“Generally, this project, with revenue from the sale of the old office and the two municipal buildings, came in close to the budgeted numbers. This means that the local debenture of $195,000 that was approved earlier will not change. This is good news for Plum Coulee.”
Last year saw several personnel changes in Rhineland. Long-time community development officer and RPGA manager Susan Stein left to take on the CAO position for the Town of Carman.
After a shuffle in job descriptions, Tanya Wadell was hired as the new RPGA manager, with Maria Kahler hired to work as the community and administrative support person.
In addition, Perry Batchelor was contracted to be the emergency coordinator for Rhineland and the Town of Altona. His role begins this month, with an agreement between the two municipalities that includes a backup plan if a second coordinator is required.
Looking ahead, Wiebe says lobby work with the provincial government will continue in 2024.
Rhineland council recently held a meeting with the new Minister of Agriculture to express their concerns regarding an adequate supply of potable water for economic development and the growing need that ag has for livestock production and crop spraying.
“Farms do better with clear water and chemicals are more effective. So that’s a peak demand and a big concern for us. The new Pembina Valley Water Co-op CEO and all the municipalities have been talking about water and the need to expand the Letellier plant.”
Council also discussed the importance of reconstruction and maintenance of provincial drains with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“The South Buffalo and Aux Marias are prime examples where the drains have not been maintained, which results in more spring flooding and crop damage in heavy summer rains. Sections of both drains merit reconstruction,” Wiebe said.
Rhineland also continued to advocate for a change in the department’s policy with respect to low level crossings.
“Low level crossings are relatively low cost as compared to bridges and they are a huge convenience for transporting agricultural equipment. We have quite a few of them, but the province doesn’t build them anymore. We want them to reconsider them because they make sense. Bridges aren’t getting replaced because of cost, and these crossings are a huge convenience so they can avoid having to haul equipment along highways.”
Other concerns brought forward to Transportation and Infrastructure include timely snow clearing and the need to repair bridges in a timely fashion.
“There are bridges where the decking has holes in it,” said Wiebe. “You don’t want that.”
Together with Altona, Rhineland has also been engaged with the province regarding Hwy. 30. The current status is quite restrictive to development and a new joint plan is needed.
“There’s been a traffic study and there are more meetings scheduled early this year. Hopefully with the new government, we have a chance to present some sensible scenarios.”
Another project Wiebe is excited about is Phase 2 development for the Rhineland West Ag Park.
“That development is now moving forward,” he said. “A multi-family development has been conditionally approved for the LUD of Rosenfeld.”
Rhineland has also approved a host of drain tile applications and is in the process of reviewing their bylaws. “
As well, our joint economic development initiative with Altona is going well and a number of business grants have been issued.”
Going forward, Wiebe says Rhineland will continue to connect with the new provincial government to dialogue about their commitment to work closely with municipalities in the region.
“Looking back, 2023 was a vibrant year for the Municipality of Rhineland. It was a busy year, with some challenges, and we’re looking forward to a productive new year.”
