The Municipality of Rhineland is reflecting on a productive 2024.
Reeve Don Wiebe highlighted several vital projects that were completed last year, starting with the Border Road east of Gretna.
“The road was seriously compromised due to some high-water events over the last couple of years. We made a claim under the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program. Our application was accepted, and as a result, the road was stabilized at a cost of $3.1 million. We’re very happy to have that completed.”
Two other DFA projects are currently in progress, Wiebe added. One is a three-span bridge across Buffalo Creek on Rd. 9, and the other is a repair to Buffalo Crossing on Rd. 7 West.
“They’ve been approved, but we’re waiting for the province to give the final okay. But that work should proceed soon.”
Rhineland is also completing two potable waterline looping projects. The first is a line near the village of Blumenort.
“They have very low pressure there, so we’re twinning that line, which should help with that. We also have a twin line from the Plum Coulee reservoir to the West Ag Park. That’s almost complete, as well.”
The year also saw the completion of the new fire hall and public works building in Plum Coulee. Rhineland invested $800,000 into the project.
“That was a big project, and many people were very happy to have it completed,” noted Wiebe.
The Gretna Arena likewise received significant upgrades, including new doors, dehumidification systems, and major improvements to the entrance and viewing area.
“We’re getting very good reports about that,” the reeve shared.
Another essential but less glamorous project was the desludging program at the Plum Coulee lagoon. The Municipality of Rhineland council approved the 20-week treatment through Clean Water Pro based in Carman earlier last year. According to the company’s information, the sludge level went down between six and 14 inches throughout the lagoon.
“It certainly extends the life of the lagoon and delays mechanical desludging processes, which are really quite expensive,” Wiebe said. “So, we’re really pleased with these results so far.”
Rhineland’s Priority Grain Roads project was not completed last year, but Wiebe is confident it will be finished in 2025.
“We’re dealing with reinforcing 30 miles of road. We had a side issue with flooding on Rd. 9. The drain was threatening to flood on the south side of the road, so we took extra time to build up that road by a foot and a half.”
Wiebe noted that Rhineland will continue to document farmers’ concerns and demonstrate the need for provincial drain maintenance.
“We’re always dealing with drainage issues and struggling with how to cope with heavy summer rains, which can result in significant crop damage. It’s a complicated issue, so we’re seeking hydrologists to help in problem areas. Finding solutions for low-lying areas is quite complex and difficult. That’s been a big struggle for 2024. We’ve also been sharing our concerns with the province about low-level crossings and provincial bridges. Some of them are showing considerable wear.”
In terms of municipal collaboration, Rhineland held numerous meetings with neighboring municipalities, including Morris, Montcalm, and Stanley.
“These meetings are productive in not only sharing concerns but coordinating water management and road maintenance,” Wiebe said. “We ensure communication and help with planning.”
Rhineland also worked closely with the Town of Altona concerning health care and economic development. Wiebe said they will continue to work with Altona to get the province to approve a traffic study, which they feel could help resolve the Highway 30 access management issue.
Rhineland has also collaborated with the Pembina Valley Water Co-op (PVWC) and the other 13 member municipalities to secure sustainable drinking water for the growing region.
“Progress is going well on the Letellier water treatment plant. The new reservoir is finished and operational. There’s also a lime plant. The next strategy is to develop a membrane plant. We use both methods simultaneously. Hopefully, we will continue that.”
A detailed study regarding all possible water sources in the region was completed, and the results will soon be shared with the PVWC board.
Rhineland bid farewell to 2024 with a well-deserved pat on the back. The municipality, a member of the Manitoba Good Roads Association, was recently notified that it had received two awards: The Provincial Shield Award for the Most Improved Roads and the Judge’s Shield award for the Best Maintained Roads.
“We’re really excited about it. It was kind of like a Christmas gift,” Wiebe said. “It really reflects the hard work and pride that our Public Works staff takes in improving and maintaining our roads. It was a positive way to end 2024.”
He commended the commitment and diligence of all Municipality of Rhineland staff members.
“I want to acknowledge all the hard work they put into their roles. I also want to recognize members of council for their dedication and service to the municipality. It’s been good all around. It’s been a progressive year.”
