The RM of St. Laurent is receiving $1.23 million in funding from the federal government for the expansion of its lagoon, as announced at the municipality’s open house on June 20.
Concept designs for the Neil Gaudry Assisted LivingCentre expansion, the Michif French Heritage Centre and the RM of Saint Laurent office development were on display at the open house
Examples of the new road signs that will be put up around the municipality
Through the Build Communities Strong Fund, the investment will allow the RM to expand its wastewater lagoon system, addressing previous capacity limitations, environmental protection concerns and future growth needs.
“Investments like this one ensure communities have the infrastructure they need to support housing, strengthen local economies and improve quality of life for years to come,” said St. Laurent Reeve Richard Chartrand. “This announcement is fantastic news.”
The municipality has been working on the expansion for three years, completing multiple engineering and environmental studies. It recently finalized the purchase of 40 acres from the provincial government to facilitate the lagoon expansion.
The next step is awaiting provincial approval of its Environmental Act proposal, a process expected to take between six and 12 months.
Other announcements at the open house included updates on the Bell cell tower and the delivery of a new fire truck.
The cell tower is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2026, and the new fire truck is anticipated to arrive around the same time.
A variety of information tables were set up at the open house, including municipal offices and resources, museums, bilingual services, the West Interlake Planning Board, seniors resources, Fieldstone Ventures, Nav-CARE, Age Friendly, Community Futures, Aquatic Invasive Species and the West Interlake Watershed District.
Other St. Laurent open house highlights
• RM of St. Laurent Offices: Space in the museum at the Welcome Centre was deemed an unsuitable location for seniors and elders to access the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority medical centre. Plans have since been made to convert existing medical space within the RM offices formerly occupied by federal and provincial government services.
• Road Signage: New road signs depicting the Bombardier symbol are being installed. Roadways located east of the community will also receive signs displaying both road names and road numbers. The signage is funded through the Bilingual Municipal Signage Program, the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities Inc. and the Canada Community Building Fund at no cost to municipal ratepayers.
• Grotto: The Grotto is undergoing a three-year, $60,000 renovation aimed at improving the appearance of the grounds. Funding of $40,000 has been secured from the Winnipeg Diocese, with plans to obtain the remainder through additional grants. The goal is for the grotto to become a heritage site where visitors can enjoy the spiritual atmosphere, attend masses and recognize the historical significance of the site built by local ancestors.
• Recreation: A variety of activities geared toward individuals of all ages and abilities are taking place this summer, including paddleboarding classes, yoga, swimming lessons, inter-generational summer camps and a foraging class. For more information, contact St. Laurent recreation director Tammy Hiebert at rec@rmstlaurent.com.
• St. Laurent Michif French Heritage Centre: As part of a 20-year project, the heritage centre is expected to open within the next three years at the Welcome Centre. While funding has been difficult to secure, staff continue to prepare for the opening. Aiming to preserve St. Laurent’s Métis heritage, staff are working to expand the St. Laurent Métis exhibit originally developed for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.
• Neil Gaudry Centre: The municipality is collaborating with IERHA to construct a 4,500-square-foot ground-level space that will become the community’s medical centre. In addition, it is seeking funding to build 10 additional suites at the assisted living centre.
• Library: After officially joining the South Interlake Regional Library and receiving four acres of land contributed by the Manitoba Métis Federation, the RM is working to secure an additional $125,000 in funding to complete bathroom installations. To date, it has received nearly $27,000 from the Crime Prevention Fund and $10,000 from Age Friendly. It has also applied for funding through the From the Ground Up grant program.
• Welcome Centre Incubator: The coffee room has been converted into a wellness room, attracting services such as massage therapy, lash extensions, baked goods sales, flower sales and intuitive healing. The municipality is also considering converting additional space to accommodate a hairdresser and pedicure and manicure services. It is further exploring relocating the yurt from the Assisted Living Centre to the Welcome Centre as a summer business hub.
• West Interlake Watershed District: The WIWD is offering a new tree rebate program for residents. The program covers the cost of trees and shrubs and applies only to residents within WIWD boundaries, to a maximum rebate of $80. Call 204-762-5850 for more information.
• Used Oil Recycling: Residents who recycle used oil at the municipal waste transfer site’s ecocentre will be entered into a draw to win a new garbage bin complete with bags and gloves. Entries will be accepted from July 1 through Sept. 30.
• Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): The RM has been in contact with the province’s AIS team, which has distributed brochures and signage regarding the threat of aquatic invasive species and how to prevent their spread. Staff are aiming to establish a committee to help educate the community and assist with monitoring efforts.
