As 2025 came to a close, the Town of Arborg’s council hit pause for a moment to reflect on a number of achievements it made over the course of the year and reaffirm its commitment to improve life for ratepayers in the new year.
“This past year has been a productive one for our council and town staff, and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made on several projects that have benefitted our residents,” said Mayor Peter Dueck on behalf of Deputy Mayor Ron Johnston and councillors Donna Gislason, Ron Rogowsky and Rob Thorsteinson.
Infrastructure investments in 2025 included the paving of Crosstown Avenue between Main Street and Ingolfs Street. Dueck said the paving has “improved safety and accessibility” for drivers and pedestrians. Council also completed the construction of a new sidewalk in front of the Arborg hospital.
With the support of external grants, council also ensured residents would have accessible transportation by purchasing a new Handi-Van.
Vibrancy and an instilling a sense of pride in the community are also important measures that council focused in 2025. And there was no better time than in the depths of a Manitoba winter to shine a little light on the town’s community spaces.
“This year, we upgraded the Christmas light fixtures along Main Street and planted a new tree that will serve as the centrepiece for future community Christmas tree lighting ceremonies — a new tradition we’re excited to grow in the years ahead,” said Dueck.
A new year always brings renewed hope that lingering challenges will be solved.
Council has had a number of “significant challenges” simmering on its back burner, including a housing shortage and health-care system deficits — notably the ongoing permanent closure of Arborg’s hospital emergency room and ambulance shortages.
“The lack of local emergency room services, ongoing ambulance shortages due to units being pulled to other regions, and the shortage of available housing continue to be top priorities for council. These are critical issues that impact residents every day, and we want our community to know we are actively working on solutions,” said Dueck.
“We continue to lobby the provincial government and local health authority for the return of local emergency services and reliable ambulance coverage.”
The town has made strides on the health-care front with its proactive efforts over the past several years to set up a dedicated education facility to train local people to work in health care in the rural area.
The town revamped buildings for the training centre, partnered with Ashern’s Fieldstone Ventures and Manitoba colleges such as Assiniboine Community College to offer health-care aide and licensed practical nurse programs.
“We’re also pleased to share that, in coordination with Shared Health, we will be hosting an Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) course in the new year,” said Dueck. “This initiative will help strengthen our community and local regions emergency response capacity and give local residents the opportunity to gain valuable training.”
Like most communities in Manitoba, the town is short of available housing to meet population expansion. Available housing is also a means to attract new workers.
“On the housing front, we’re meeting with potential developers and exploring ways to encourage new housing construction that meets the needs of our growing community,” said the mayor.
Council wants to ensure that Arborg residents can enjoy a quality of life, and appreciates the support it has received from the community.
“Overall, council remains committed to improving quality of life for everyone in the Town of Arborg,” said Dueck. “We’re grateful for the ongoing support, patience and engagement of our residents as we continue working together to build a stronger, safer and more vibrant community.”
