The Rural Municipality of Grahamdale held its regular council meeting on Oct. 23, reviewing several key municipal initiatives.
Council passed a resolution committing the municipality to developing a more sustainable and efficient long-term waste management plan over the next three years. The resolution outlines two possible paths: expanding the existing Faulkner Waste Disposal Ground or constructing a new waste site on municipally owned land. The final direction will depend on feasibility studies and consultation with the Department of Manitoba Environment and Climate Compliance.
Following the resolution, the province extended the Faulkner Waste Disposal Ground’s operating permit to 2028 and authorized the RM to construct a berm around the last remaining cell. The berm will add approximately three years of capacity, giving the municipality time to explore options for future waste management.
“There is a bigger picture here worth exploring,” said assistant chief administrative officer Devan McCoubrey. “This extension gives us the breathing room we need to potentially create a new plan, one that will hopefully reduce long-term costs and build a more sustainable process for managing waste in our municipality.”
Council also discussed challenges with recycling, noting that recyclable materials are increasingly ending up in garbage bins and vice-versa.
“How can we better manage the garbage that is arriving at our waste sites? How can we promote better recycling practices? Is there a way that a composting program could bridge the gap between waste that isn’t able to be recycled, yet shouldn’t wind up in our waste pits? These are all questions council is considering when trying to decide the next steps,” McCoubrey added.
Assistant public works manager Danny Granberg provided an update on winter preparations, noting the municipality is actively winterizing roads. McCoubrey said the end of the calendar year also means the end of the annual budget cycle, and staff are ensuring all budgeted projects are completed. Roadside mowing is wrapping up and the hydro-axe program was recently completed.
Economic development officer Jackie Kiesman updated council on Community Development Corporation activities, including a strategic planning meeting held Oct. 20 that drew 47 residents. McCoubrey described the turnout as excellent.
“We have a passionate group of local leaders who want to see this municipality grow in a sustainable way and have our quality of life continue to improve here. My cup was so full seeing the community so engaged.”
A second meeting was held on Nov. 17, after which participants will identify five or six priorities to guide the next few years of planning.
Reeve Craig Howse reported that the Steep Rock walking trails are now three-quarters complete. McCoubrey said the trail sections are finished and the municipality is finalizing culvert, drainage and ditch work to comply with provincial regulations.
“Balancing recreational development with environmental protection is something the municipality is very cognizant of. The starting point is that people come to Steep Rock because of the natural shoreline, so we can’t grow recreation by damaging the very thing that everyone is here to enjoy,” she said.
The project follows the 25-year Steep Rock Conceptual Plan, built around environmental protection and shaped with significant community input. “It is very important to council that this plan is followed. It was created by and for the people who live, work and shop in our communities. We value our communities and our developments are seeking support for them.”
Under unfinished business, council reviewed ongoing discussions regarding the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels, Boundary Line Drain Committee activities, and a summary of the Davis Point Boat Launch project. Residents have requested a safer launch for recreational and professional use, and council has tabled the upgrade for consideration in the 2026 budget.
Council also received a response from Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn regarding provincial drought impacts. Council wrote to the minister on Sept. 4, lobbying for AgriRecovery to be initiated. McCoubrey said the reply did not address the request, which has left farmers struggling and council frustrated.
“Even with the recent rain, it doesn’t change the fact their summer crops completely dried out. Our council believes AgriRecovery should have been initiated.”
Other council news:
• The Moosehorn Fire Department responded to five calls this month, including vehicle fires and a hydro pole fire, while the Gypsumville Fire Department attended two incidents.
• Council approved a conditional-use application from Russell and Kimberley Lillies permitting a metal shipping container as an accessory storage structure on their Kyler Beach Road property.
• Council accepted an offer from Erin and Andrew Good to purchase a lot in the Steep Rock Cottage Lot Development No. 2, with conditions tied to future construction timelines.
• Council approved a $500 sponsorship for the Moosehorn Fire Department to compete in the 2026 Manitoba Firefighters Curling Championships in Gimli, Jan. 9–11.
• Sandahl Bauch has been hired as an administrative assistant for a maternity leave position beginning Jan. 5, 2026.
• Santa’s Little Helper donation boxes have been distributed to businesses throughout the RM.
• The RM has been approved to join the West Interlake Planning District. More details will be released at a later date.
