The RM of West Interlake is celebrating the end of 2025 by sharing their accomplishments, challenges and goals for 2026.
Chief administrative officer Gary Campbell said the municipality takes pride in many projects completed this year, noting that a personal highlight was the ongoing gravelling and dust control work.
“In general, our grader operations in keeping our roads well graded for safe travel,” he said. “The RM of West Interlake is a great place to live, work and play which will only attract newcomers to experience the taste of the West Interlake.”
Campbell explained that the RM provides gravel, grading and dust control based off roadway assessments, which has been carried out by private contractors and municipal resources. They have also adopted the Asset Management Policy and Program which provides guidelines, assessments, conditions and up-to-date inventory lists on all municipal assets including vehicles, buildings, roads, signs, culverts and equipment.
One of the biggest challenges faced — and successfully resolved — was a series of software issues, which were addressed through system upgrades and additional staff training. Meanwhile, the Ashern Waste Disposal Grounds project has been delayed until Manitoba Hydro can provide a hydro feed. Once the RM has a response from Manitoba Hydro, they will move ahead with the project. Currently, they are making advancements with the building requirements and providing temporary power using a generator.
Overall, Campbell described the municipality’s financial position as “healthy,” crediting the strong teamwork and relationships between municipal staff, council and community members for creating a positive working environment within the RM of West Interlake. He said the RM administration, finance committee and council collaboratively monitoring revenues and expenses, as well as discussing major purchases.
“The RM of West Interlake has a great team of professionals looking for more community engagement and volunteer effort from all ages to bolster sports and recreational activities,” he added, explaining that all volunteer efforts are vastly appreciated as the municipality looks to grow and add additional community-run programs.
Campbell noted that the municipality has continued to promote community engagement and volunteerism across its communities. He also expressed pride in the efforts of the Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission Wellness Centre and its work toward encouraging healthier living. As a whole, memberships to the Wellness Centre continue to increase, positively promoting healthy lifestyles.
In 2025, the RM partnered on several initiatives, which Campbell acknowledged, including the Narrows Enhancement Initiative, the IERHA Advisory Committee regarding hospital upgrades, and a collaboration with the RM of Grahamdale for the North on 6 Regional Investment Co-op — an initiative Campbell said is the first of its kind in Manitoba.
Looking ahead to 2026, Campbell said the RM of West Interlake has several projects on its radar, including the Ashern Water Distribution Assessment and the Eriksdale Force Main project.
He said several public and private enterprises have approached the RM regarding Ashern sewage and water utilities, especially due to the Ashern Hospital expansion which is putting greater demands on current utilities.
“The RM is working on gaining knowledge of the existing water distribution service to determine what upgrades may be required to meet future demand,” Campbell added.
As for the Eriksdale force main project, the RM received funding this year from the Water Stewardship Partnership and is collaborating with them to provide a design and tender. Once documents have been prepared, the RM will have an anticipated schedule for the project.
Additional focus in 2026 is also expected on the Boundary Line Drain, which will serve as a significant flood protection asset for the Ashern area, says Campbell. “The Boundary Line Drain Committee is working with various Provincial departments to monitor, maintain and control drainage that if ignored, may contribute to overland flooding,” he said.
