The RM of Armstrong will be buying a new four-by-four truck for the Inwood Fire Department.
Council allocated $25,000 in its capital expenditure reserve for the truck, and the fire department’s 2025 operating budget has funds set aside the equip the truck.
Council approved the purchase of a 2017 F350 crew-cab flat-deck truck with necessary equipment including lighting, siren, speakers, radio and decals. The total will be no more than $52,500 plus tax.
The truck will come from Pacific Motors, while Specialty Vehicle Upfitters will equip it.
In other council news:
• The RM of Armstrong is preparing to sell some RM-owned land. The public will be notified about the Phase 1 sale of vacant properties and Phase 2 sale of forage leased properties. For Phase 2, those who currently hold forage leases will receive a letter offering them the opportunity to purchase the land they lease. If they choose not to purchase, the RM will honour the remaining time on the lease.
“We ask residents to watch for more information in the local papers as well as check the RM website for more information,” said CAO Colleen Mayer.
• Council approved the RM of Armstrong’s 2026 emergency response plan presented by the municipal emergency coordinator.
• Council will ask the provincial government to review the current licensing system for water storage projects and provide engineering support for the Humeny wetland and water storage project. The West Interlake Watershed District asked for a resolution supporting this project since it falls within the RM boundaries. In 2022, the RM experienced extreme flooding that resulted in millions of dollars in damage to land including roadways, bridges and culverts. The provincial government, through Disaster Financial Assistance, has contributed towards the restoration of many damaged infrastructure projects. Some residents have partnered with Manitoba Habitat Conservation and East Interlake Watershed District to restore about 2.3 acres of wetland to reduce downstream pressure within the watershed. The Humeny wetland and water storage project needs approval from the provincial water rights licensing branch before construction begins. Council is in favour of this project moving forward since it will help with water storage and flooding by restoring about 50 acres of wetland and upland water storage. Coun. Humeny excused himself from the vote and the rest of council voted in favour.
• The RM of Armstrong office and public works department will be closed at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24 until Jan. 4. The office will return to regular business hours on Monday, Jan. 5. The Meleb Waste Site will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 1.
• Armstrong council and staff wish everyone a merry Christmas and look forward to a happy new year.
