Council for the Rural Municipality of Grey moved this month to strengthen essential rural services, advancing broadband expansion, formalizing participation in a regional veterinary district and approving more than $100,000 in community and recreation funding.
At its Jan. 7 meeting, council approved two proposals from RFNow to expand fibre-optic infrastructure near Elm Creek. The projects involve directional boring along Market Road 27W, Road 51N and Road 38W, with the service provider responsible for locating existing utilities prior to construction.
Council also approved a one-year bylaw enforcement services contract with Commissionaires Manitoba, authorizing the reeve and chief administrative officer to sign an agreement covering April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Steps were also taken to support rural veterinary access. Bylaw No. 01-2026, establishing the municipality’s participation in the St. Claude Veterinary District, received first reading Jan. 7 and was given second and third readings and formally adopted at the Jan. 21 meeting.
Infrastructure compliance and emergency preparedness were addressed as well. Council approved updates to the municipality’s emergency plan and moved ahead with mandatory installation of meter interface units in St. Claude. Administration was directed to issue reminder letters to remaining properties, with potential water shutoffs identified as an enforcement option if compliance is not achieved.
Council also approved a slate of community and recreation grants over the two meetings. Funding authorized Jan. 7 included support for local fire departments, arenas, libraries, seniors’ groups and community organizations.
Additional recreation grants approved Jan. 21 included $55,000 for the St. Claude-Haywood Curling Rink, $17,000 for the Elm Creek Skating Rink and $7,000 for the Elm Creek Curling Club.
Other decisions included acceptance of the 2026 municipal recycling funding schedule from Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, a $250 donation to Agriculture in the Classroom and approval of membership fees for Fire Chief Leen Blok with the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs. Council also approved several membership renewals, including the Hudson Bay Route Association and the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association.
Council heard from Lauren Stone, who appeared before council for an open discussion at the Jan. 21 meeting.
