The Rural Municipality of Roland advanced several planning, infrastructure and financial items at its Sept. 11 regular council meeting, including approval of a residential variation order, community grants, pathway upgrades and a development agreement tied to new growth.
Council approved Variation Order 2025-02 for 13 Parkview Dr., reducing the front-yard setback from 25 feet to 20 feet to accommodate a new home. The decision followed a public hearing earlier in the meeting.
On infrastructure, council awarded Capital Landscapes the contract to revitalize the Millennium Pathway. A ratepayer request for reimbursement of a water-leak repair was defeated. Council also confirmed more than $16,000 in 2025 municipal grants to local organizations, including the Roland Historical Society, multiple cemeteries, the Golden Prairie Arts Council, the Carman Cheerboard, Katie Cares and the Winkler & District Health Care Board. Council further approved moving to a standardized annual grant-application form.
Reeve Jodi Gaultier reported that a preliminary utility rate study has been completed, with consultant Dale Lyle scheduled to present details to council next week. A discussion on land gifted to the municipality by the Tractor Club was tabled for further review. CAO Taya O’Brien said council is considering all options for the property and encouraged ratepayers to share ideas on potential uses.
Council also heard interest from a community member in a potential handi-van–type transportation service. While the municipality would not operate such a service directly, O’Brien said the RM would potentially approve annual funding if a community group decided to lead the initiative.
Financial statements and income reports to Aug. 31 were adopted, as was the development agreement with K Block. Council appointed its 2025 Board of Revision, naming Councillor Jason McIntosh and Councillor Carrie Hennan to the board. A subdivision application was approved, Utility Pass-Through By-Law 2025-12 received second and third readings, and building permits were issued for a garden shed, grain bin and pole shed at three rural properties.
In committee reports, councillors noted several ongoing road and signage concerns, including graveling needs on Road 25W, maintenance issues on Road 25N, repairs to a park bridge and missing welcome signs. Public works reported ongoing fall maintenance, including sewer flushing, bridge repairs, hydrant flushing and rural mowing. The department added that student summer staff collected more than 200 pounds of metal from municipal roads this season.
The Roland Fire Department reported responding to 17 calls so far in 2025 — nine motor-vehicle incidents and eight fires, four of which were mutual-aid assists. Work continues on firefighter training, equipment upgrades and planning for a future pumper truck.
Council approved accounts totalling $226,768.04 and payroll of $32,013.36 for the period ending Sept. 11.
