Generosity makes the world go around.
The RM of Rosser has approved $29,450 worth of charitable donations and grants for 2026, including $6,000 for the Interlake Community Foundation, $6,000 for Southwest Palliative Care (made up of a $5,000 grant plus a $1,000 gala table purchase) and $4,000 for Community Resource Network.
The RM will give $2,500 each to South Interlake 55 Plus, South Interlake Rockwood Ag Society and South Interlake Ag Society. Stonewall Quarry Days and South Interlake Garden Club will each receive $1,500.
Other contributions will go towards South Interlake Regional Library ($1,450), Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference ($500), Rockwood Festival of the Arts ($500) and Stonewall Quarry Choristers ($500).
The RM will also provide a $400 charitable donation to Grateful Friends Pet Rescue.
In other council news:
• A public hearing to present the 2026 financial plan will be held April 16 at 6 p.m.
Chief financial officer Trevor Wowk said the draft plan reflects fiscal responsibility and a continued commitment to municipal services and infrastructure.
“The RM of Rosser’s 2026 draft financial plan represents fiscal responsibility and an ongoing commitment to the continued provision of quality municipality services while enabling the maintenance and growth of municipal infrastructure. By continuing to provide ongoing quality municipality services, the municipality will continue supporting residents while maintaining an inclusive rural community,” he said.
“These commitments will also continue to attract the economic development needed to create opportunities and growth for residents and businesses to thrive into the future. Should anyone wish to view the draft plan, copies are available at the municipal office.”
• A three per cent wage increase was approved for all council members and eligible employees for 2026. Monthly council indemnities will increase to $2,748.49 for the reeve, $2,198.76 for the deputy reeve and $1,923.95 for councillors. The hourly rate for council business not covered by indemnities will rise to $34.35.
• An estimated $10,560 quote from CVLNS was accepted as a sole-source contract for Phase 3 of the strategic planning process.
“Using the past deliverables that have been presented to council, CVLNS will now work with council and administration through the last phase, finalizing the vision and goals that would be part of the plan, and then to draft and ultimately finalize for adoption Rosser’s first ever strategic plan,” said CAO Larry Wandowich.
• An agreement with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Manitoba division, will provide emergency coordinator services.
• A temporary agreement with the RM of Rockwood will provide bylaw enforcement services as Rosser transitions to an in-house model.
“In the past, the RM of Rosser has obtained bylaw services through the Rockwood/Woodlands Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control Board, while growing Rosser’s own bylaw services. As this Board is concluding their services, Rosser is temporarily contracting from the RM of Rockwood to provide the RM of Rosser time to enhance its own bylaw enforcement capabilities,” Wandowich said.
“This will ensure the continued ongoing provision of bylaw enforcement services while finalizing and executing the model of services into the future on a more cost-effective basis.”
• The chief financial officer is authorized to list the fire department’s supply trailer for sale on social media. The minimally used trailer is listed at $18,000, with more information available on the RM’s website.
• A $75,000 commitment for 2026 will renew participation in CentrePort Canada Inc.’s partnership program.
“The $75,000 commitment is a renewal of the RM of Rosser’s participation in the CentrePort Canada Partnership Program,” Wandowich said.
“This valuable program supports RM of Rosser’s economic development through CentrePort Canada’s efforts to attract jobs, businesses and infrastructure investment into CentrePort, including promoting the RM of Rosser as a prime industrial location and marketing to national and international investors.”
• A property owner is required to pay $1,856.31 to the South Interlake Planning District following an appeal related to unauthorized land development in the CentrePort area.
“The unauthorized development of land was an alteration of property, which included significant fill being brought in, thereby altering the grade and use of the land without the required permits and zoning. This took place within the CentrePort area,” Wandowich said.
“This payment was upheld by council as part of an appeal hearing that took place. It was one of many conditions from the appeal hearing decision. The payment of $1,856.31 would be to South Interlake Planning District (SIPD) for current enforcement costs incurred by SIPD.”
• Pre-paid dust control applications are now being accepted for municipal roads adjacent to residences and established sites. The cost is $350 for a 16-foot by 300-foot strip, with a deadline of May 22.
• Membership in the Red River Basin Commission was approved at a cost of $350.
• An advertisement will be purchased in the Legion Military Recognition Book for $323.81 plus tax.
• Attendance at the Manitoba Good Roads Association banquet on April 21 and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities spring convention from April 21 to 23 in Brandon was authorized, with expenses covered.
