The Rural Municipality of West Interlake will close its Eriksdale municipal office and consolidate all operations in Ashern, a move CAO Gary Campbell says will improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Campbell recommended the closure to council, noting that having all council and committee meetings in one location — with the CAO based there full time — will allow the administration team to work together more effectively.
“It’s in the best interests of the RM to have everyone in one place,” Campbell said in a written response to questions. “There will be a cost savings, and our team will continue to work together to efficiently provide all services.”
The two-office arrangement has been in place since 2015, when the former RMs of Eriksdale and Siglunes amalgamated. Campbell said all municipal services were already available through the main office prior to the satellite location’s closure. No layoffs are planned.
Council did not hold a public consultation before making the decision, which Campbell said has been discussed by every council and administration since amalgamation.
Some residents have taken to social media to express frustration, saying the move lacked transparency and adequate communication. Eriksdale taxpayer Caitlin Trakalo said she first learned of the decision on Facebook, after a friend shared the RM’s announcement.
“I don’t have a concern about accessing services as much communication for accessing services can be done via phone call or email,” she said. “My concern is that there has been no communication conveying the reasons behind the decision. I have looked at council minutes and agendas on the RM’s website, and there was no indication this was up for discussion.”
Trakalo said the move has “significantly impacted trust and morale” and has created “a massive sense of division of Ashern vs. Eriksdale, not Ashern and Eriksdale.”
“It’s caused a ‘rug pulled out from your feet’ feeling, resulting in the community not feeling respected and valued, and fairly represented,” she said.
While she doesn’t believe the closure will harm Eriksdale in the long run — noting other municipalities operate with a single office — she worries the decision will cement division between the two communities.
Trakalo said the RM should have been upfront with residents and given reasonable notice that the change was coming. “The lack of notice implies a lack of consideration, courtesy, and caring,” she said. “There has been no opportunity offered to the public to voice their concerns. Council isn’t obligated to, but it gives such a poor implication that council isn’t concerned about their taxpayers.”
Going forward, Trakalo wants to see clearer communication, agendas released in advance, reasons for decisions explained, and opportunities for residents to share their opinions before operational changes are made.
“The municipality works for the taxpayers. Taxpayers want to feel valued and heard and trust their elected council,” she said. “Engaging residents will decrease animosity, help alleviate the ‘Ashern vs. Eriksdale’ division, and promote understanding. There is no reversal of this decision, but there is an opportunity to quell emotions by engaging with the community.”
Campbell said council and administration work “very hard to ensure all decisions are in the best interest of the RM of West Interlake” and are prepared to address concerns through appropriate communication channels. He added the municipality remains “a versatile and fluid organization” open to new ideas for improving services and opportunities for residents and businesses.
