Grey council approved major fire service upgrades and several equipment and maintenance contracts at its Nov. 5 regular meeting.
Council awarded a $736,458 contract to Acres Industries for a new VORTEX emergency vehicle, to be purchased without a deposit and funded through the Fire Truck Reserve in the 2026 capital plan. The decision followed a presentation from Fire Chief Anton Borst and Deputy Chief Leen Blok, who reviewed fire truck pricing with council.
Council also accepted Brandt’s $38,300 quote to replace the transmission, torque converter and related parts on the municipality’s 2012 John Deere 410, and approved Extinguisher MD’s annual $1,262.50 inspection and testing contract for fire extinguishers and emergency lighting. A contract for 623 miles of municipal mowing, valued at $46,506.95, was ratified with Silver Dirtworks Inc.
RFNow received council’s support for a proposed fibre-optic expansion north along Road 14W and west on Road 53N, with the company responsible for locating underground utilities. Council also approved cost-sharing on a dust-control application in Ward 2.
Council authorized staff and elected officials to attend upcoming AMBM and MMA training sessions, with expenses covered by the municipality. A $500 grant was approved for Manitoba Crime Stoppers, and the St. Claude Handivan Committee will receive a $3,666 interim operating grant through the Mobility Disadvantaged Transportation Program.
Several planning and administrative items — including a farmland tender, a subdivision application, drainage and fire protection matters, and the former dump site — were tabled for further review. The municipality’s September financial report was received and filed.
