Council for the Rural Municipality of Grey approved several infrastructure and reserve fund measures at its Sept. 3 regular meeting, while also ratifying an insurance claim settlement and supporting multiple fibre optic expansion projects.
Reeve Gail Johnson chaired the meeting with councillors Don Guyot, Doug Middleton, Nathan Rey and Marcel Gauthier present. Coun. Bert van der Steen was absent.
• Council passed four resolutions backing RFNow’s proposals to expand fibre optic service across various areas of the municipality, including along Road 53N north of St. Claude, Road 28W near and northwest of Elm Creek, and along Roads 52N and 41W north of St. Claude. RFNow will be responsible for locating all utilities prior to directional drilling.
• St. Claude lagoon project. Council ratified the acceptance of Rob Smith & Son’s $90,000 quote to supply, fuse pipe and complete directional drilling for the Manitoba Water Services Board lagoon project in St. Claude. Funds will come from the CDI Reserve, with the CAO authorized to sign the agreement.
• Drainage and subdivision approvals. A request from Precision Land Solutions on behalf of Gerald Rouire was approved, allowing a private drain tile project crossing Road 46N to proceed using open cut methods. Council also supported a subdivision application from No Hill Farms Ltd. near Elm Creek, subject to access and land division conditions.
• Insurance settlement. Council ratified an insurance settlement of $121,500 through the Municipal General Insurance Program following losses to a John Deere tractor and Capital I mulcher.
• New reserve funds established. Third reading was given to five by-laws, including the creation of three new reserve funds:
– Emergency Recreation Repair Reserve Fund
– Weed and Brush Reserve Fund.
– Grey Regional Water and Wastewater Utility Reserve Fund
Two older water and sewer reserve by-laws, dating back to 1986, were rescinded. All readings carried unanimously.
Other business
• Council voted to terminate a gravel agreement with the RM of Cartier effective Dec. 31, 2025.
• The RM’s July 31 financial statement was received and filed.
• The August report from the Grey Fire Department was also filed.
• Several items — including new RM signage, fire ban protocols, tractor quotes, and a Kubota tractor matter — were tabled for future discussion.
• Council later met in closed session to discuss a human resources matter before reconvening. The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.
The next regular council meetings are scheduled for Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. and Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
