It’s been a busy year in St. Laurent, and plenty of plans are already in the works for 2025.
Reeve Richard Chartrand took some time to reflect on some of the municipality’s success, challenges and ongoing projects.
“The RM continues to provide replacement equipment and upgrades to the fire department and public works. For the fire department, this includes the purchase of a new side-by-side quad, the purchase of new turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus,” he said.
“There was also extensive remodelling of the fire hall as well as the purchase of 20 racks for the storing of turnout gear. This, in turn, has improved the morale of the fire department, and we now have a full complement of 20 fire fighters. Public works now has a new lease on a new tractor as well as the purchase of a new Schulte mower.”
In addition, the RM continues to clean out drainage ditches and repair or replace culverts as a proactive approach to flood mitigation.
“The RM was also able to install culverts, repair ditches and finally finish four sections of roads that now makes it accessible for ratepayers to place structures at Lake Manitoba Estates,” he said.
As well, the municipality received funding from the provincial government for road repairs and they were able to repave a road and repair a road that had been in disrepair for years.
Work is also ongoing to review, update and amend bylaws and policies to ensure that they’re up to date.
In addition to making progress on municipal matters, St. Laurent had some exciting events to celebrate.
“The RM also had the good fortune of hosting CBC French as well as CBC English radio to visit and interview locals over the course of several weeks during spring and summer. Métis Days are back in St. Laurent and it was a fun-filled three-day event, which also included a parade that had numerous floats and attended by many individuals,” Chartrand said.
“The RM also was pleased to be invited to the grand opening of the Lake Manitoba Resort to officially open the golf course as well as the clubhouse. The municipality also decided to host an open house so that ratepayers could come out and see what future projects the RM is working on as well as the opportunity for them to provide feedback and their thoughts and concerns. This was well attended and we look forward to hosting another one next year.”
As for the challenges and future projects, Chartrand notes that they’re tied together.
“As a small municipality, there is limited cash flow available and we are dependent on funding and grant applications. We are in the process of applying for funding of a new fire truck, a major upgrade in our current lagoon capacity, the expansion of our current ALC, as well as the current IERHA clinic,” he said.
“We are also applying for funding to have a Métis heritage site as well as expansion of the current welcome centre.”
Chartrand noted that council is now in its third year of serving the municipality.
“It is an ongoing process but we strive to listen to concerns and proceed in a clear, transparent manner. Some problems take time to address and will be fixed in a timely manner,” he said.
“There is now a new and updated website that is easier to navigate and residents can now bring forth their comments and concerns.”
