The Town of Carman is preparing to move ahead with several infrastructure and recreation projects, including 2026 road work, new equipment purchases and improvements to community facilities.
Council discussed upcoming road work plans during its April 16 meeting, with tenders expected to be prepared and issued the following week.
CAO Susan Stein said the town prioritized roads considered to be in the greatest need of repair.
“We tendered out possible roads that we felt needed the work the most and the tenders will be awarded based on need and meeting budget requirements,” Stein said.
The town also approved the purchase of a John Deere 444P loader from Brandt for $282,450, with a $130,000 trade-in included as part of the agreement.
Stein said the purchase aligns with the town’s long-term asset management strategy and will support a wide range of year-round public works operations.
“Replacing equipment is part of our asset management strategy to balance costs of equipment and repairs,” Stein said. “The loader will allow staff to complete work efficiently and it supports year round work such as loading gravel, hauling snow, moving large debris and loading equipment into trucks.”
The equipment purchase came as council continues work on its 2026 infrastructure priorities, which also include proposed upgrades to Memorial Hall and the Trestle Bridge area.
Council reviewed grant and funding options for replacement windows at Memorial Hall, with further discussion planned at a future meeting.
Photographs of the town’s proposed Trestle Bridge lighting project were also presented, and council agreed to proceed with a quote from Sperling Industries.
The town also received an overview presentation related to a potential bid for the 2028 Manitoba Summer Games.
In recreation matters, council approved the hiring of Jay Asuncion as a recreation technician under the town’s employee agreement pay scale.
Stein said the position is important in helping maintain facilities and support programming during the busy recreation season.
“This position helps ensure that facilities are maintained to a high standard, programs run smoothly, and residents continue to receive quality recreational services,” Stein said.
She added the recreation department operates as a shared service between the Town of Carman and the RM of Dufferin.
“The recreation department is a shared service jointly funded by the Town of Carman and the RM of Dufferin,” Stein said. “This year, the department is operating with four full-time technicians, compared to five in previous years, as we have also explored opportunities to improve efficiency and manage costs by tendering certain work externally where appropriate.”
Council approved March accounts totalling $815,880.55. March financial statements were also approved, and council received auditor planning communication documents.
