Gimli council made strides in several areas over the course of 2025 and said its looking forward new initiatives that will ensure the comfort of the community.
The municipality’s community engagement manager and spokesperson Christine Payne said council — Mayor Kevin Chudd, Deputy Mayor and Coun. Kurt Reichert and councillors Andy Damm, Richard Petrowski and Thora Palson — started off 2025 with “responsible planning” and the aligning of its vision with community priorities. Council invested in infrastructure and recreation, and embarked on modernization initiatives while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Council’s 2025 financial plan, which delivered a balanced budget of $30.6 million, gave ratepayers information on how council is investing in the three areas.
On the capital projects front in 2025, council improved water infrastructure with water main upgrades on Fifth and Sixth avenues; retrofitted the Evergreen Library branch with LED lighting; paved Fifth Avenue between Centre Street and Lady of the Lake; purchased equipment, utility and recreation vehicles and a road sweeper; created development standards for streets and sidewalks; demolished the old water building at the Industrial Park; completed airport resurfacing; replaced the outdoor pool’s pump; designed the fitness centre; repaired street surfaces; and purchased land.
“This summer, the Gimli Recreation Centre completed essential roof repairs thanks to funding from the [provincial government’s] Arts, Culture and Sport in Communities Program,” said Payne. “These upgrades will prevent future leaks, improve energy efficiency and extend the life of the facility — a significant step toward addressing aging infrastructure and ensuring our community spaces remain vibrant for years to come.”
Council’s focus on modernization included the creation of a parking bylaw (No. 25-0004) that introduced rules for safety and accessibility, seasonal restrictions and towing authority for violations; the addition of a human resource officer to strengthen workforce management and compliance; fibre-optic upgrades and enhanced security for municipal buildings; and expanded payment options for ratepayers such as online credit card payments, e-transfers and pre-authorized sign-ups. Council also improved the efficiency of the Arnes Landfill site.
“We modernized waste management with a no-cash policy and new tipping fees for bulky items and Freon appliances — implemented to improve efficiency, sustainability and cost recovery,” said Payne.
On the recreation front, council celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony of the Gimli Youth Hub, an initiative started by a grassroots community group. Community members, including youth and local organizations such as Hailey’s Way, envisaged a need for a youth centre in Gimli and began raising money to build it. The Gimli Youth Centre Capital Fundraising Committee was then created with the support of council. The committee has raised $50,000 of a $350,000 fundraising goal, according the Gimliyouthhub.ca website.
“One of the most exciting milestones was breaking ground on the Gimli Youth Hub,” said Payne. “After years of planning and fundraising, the construction process began this fall, with completion expected in spring 2026. This space will offer programs, drop-in opportunities and partnerships designed to empower youth and strengthen community ties.”
Council also “advanced” a recreation campus master plan that’s supported by a $1-million grant and launched a trails master plan, which is a blueprint for connecting neighbourhoods, parks and waterfront areas.
“These projects reflect our commitment to wellness, inclusion and long-term planning,” said Payne.
On the environmental front, the protection of Lake Winnipeg “remained a top priority” with council opposing the Crystal Spring Hutterite colony’s proposal to build a wastewater lagoon in the RM of Armstrong where it owns land. The site is on the border of the RM of Gimli and Willow Creek, which flows east into Gimli’s Siglavik subdivision and the wetlands fringing Lake Winnipeg. Council had contacted the provincial government, advocating for stronger wastewater licensing and environmental safeguards.
Council is moving ahead in 2026 on the decommissioning of Gimli’s old wastewater lagoon on the border of the South Beach neighbourhood by turning it into a 144-acre constructed wetland. Sludge has been removed from the lagoon and spread on agricultural fields in the RM.
Payne said the conversion of the lagoon is a “forward-thinking initiative that will serve as a living classroom for learners of all ages.” The wetland will have a trail system, interpretative elements and will foster understanding of wetland ecosystems and riparian zones and their “critical role” in protecting Lake Winnipeg.
“The Gimli Wetland initiative emphasizes education and community engagement, inspiring future generations to embrace climate solutions and ecological restoration. Its phased approach — beginning with wetland development and leading toward an interpretive centre — reflects a thoughtful, scalable vision,” said Payne. “Environmentally, the site lies within the Willow Creek Watershed, a key contributor to Lake Winnipeg, which has suffered from wetland loss and degradation. Repurposing this land demonstrates how communities can support biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts and promote sustainable land use practices while honouring the cultural significance of Treaty One territory and the heritage of Indigenous and Icelandic communities.”
To improve tourist engagement, council launched the Gimli Beach Guide on its website.
“This digital resource provides real-time information on beach amenities, accessibility, safety tips and local attractions, all in one place,” said Payne. “It complements our efforts to promote Gimli as a destination where visitors can explore culture, recreation and waterfront experiences with confidence and convenience.”
Council also had its eye on beautification efforts in town last year. Gimli earned “4 Blooms” and a special mention for Viking Park at the Manitoba Communities in Bloom Awards, which was “a testament to our commitment to beautification, heritage and sustainability,” said Payne.
Council entered into a sister-city partnership with Akureyri, Iceland, last October. Mayor Chudd attended a ceremony in Iceland to help strengthen partnerships. Last year marked the 150th anniversary of Icelandic settlement in Manitoba.
“These international connections celebrate our shared heritage and open doors for collaboration that reaches far beyond our shores. Gimli’s story is not only local: it is global, rooted in tradition and extending across oceans,” said Payne.
Council strengthened public safety through investments in the Gimli Fire Department by advancing a 10-year fleet-replacement strategy and prioritizing the purchase of a new $2.7-million platform truck and pumper “to meet the needs of a growing community with multi-storey buildings,” said Payne. “These investments ensure Gimli Fire and Rescue can protect lives and property for decades to come.”
A highlight of 2025 was the fire department taking part in an emergency crash exercise in September at Gimli Airport to test emergency response plans. 17 Wing Winnipeg and 435 Transport Search and Rescue Squadron provided a C130 Hercules aircraft for the exercise, which tested coordination, resource deployment and response under pressure.
The RM also expanded Connect Gimli, its emergency alert and community notification system, which provides real-time alerts for fire bans, road closures, water advisories and community news. The system currently has 5,113 registrants.
To ensure momentum in 2026, Payne said work continues on key priorities such as computer hardware and security upgrades with fibre optic installation, a work-order management module, recreation centre upgrades and roof repairs, and the recreation plaza site plan.
Council will also beautify an intersection and advance the trails plan.
“We look to improve safety and reduce congestion while beautifying the intersection of Centre and [Fourth]. The story doesn’t end here: Next year, we plan to complete the Youth Hub, launch the recreation needs assessments and advance the Trails Master Plan,” said Payne. “Paid parking options, waterfront development and continued modernization will keep Gimli moving forward — always with the goal of making our community happy, safe and comfortable.”
A question about what challenges council faced in 2025 went unanswered.
