The RM of Woodlands has declared a state of agricultural emergency effective June 16.
Overland flooding has severely affected local agricultural operations, including grain, hay, straw and cattle production.
As a result, producers are facing economic hardship due to crop losses, reduced forage supplies and increased costs associated with sustaining livestock.
Woodlands council is urging the provincial and federal governments to recognize the emergency and provide immediate assistance and support programs to affected producers.
Reeve issues message to residents
Reeve Doug Oliver shared a message with residents, acknowledging the challenges and stress many are facing.
“I want to reassure everyone that RM staff across all departments have been working around the clock to respond to this situation. Crews are actively monitoring conditions, addressing issues as they arise, and providing assistance wherever possible,” he said.
“We ask residents to contact the RM office to report flooding concerns or request assistance. Please understand that, due to the volume of calls and the severity of the situation, we are currently prioritizing high-risk and urgent situations. That said, every call is being logged, documented and evaluated as conditions evolve. Outside office hours, residents can contact any member of council.”
In some cases, it may not be possible to move water from one area without negatively affecting another, he added.
“These are difficult decisions, and we ask for your patience and understanding as we work through them,” Oliver said.
“In many instances, time and the natural recession of water levels will be part of the solution.”
The RM is also aware of multiple washouts on gravel roads throughout the municipality.
“While most are still passable, motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and report any washouts that are not clearly marked,” he said.
“Above all, we encourage everyone to stay safe, be cautious and look out for one another. In times like these, the strength of our community is shown in how we support our neighbours.”
Free water testing available
Free water testing is available for residents with private wells that may have been affected by flooding.
Flooding can introduce harmful bacteria into private wells, so residents are advised to boil water before use and avoid drinking it until testing confirms it is safe.
One free water test per household is available from June 15 to Aug. 31 for total coliform and E. coli testing.
Water samples can be dropped off at the RM of Woodlands office at 129 Railway Ave. on June 26 before noon. Samples should be collected the same morning they are submitted.
For more information or sample kits, contact the RM office at 204-383-5679.
Reporting storm damage
The RM is asking residents to report storm-related damage directly to the municipality, even if they are also applying for Disaster Financial Assistance.
The municipality is requesting the resident’s name, property address, phone number, a summary of damages and impacts, and an estimated dollar value of losses.
Applications for the Disaster Financial Assistance program are available through the RM of Woodlands website.
In other council news
• Council unanimously defeated a conditional use application by Engineered Rubber Aggregate to develop a tire-processing facility on a property in Woodlands. The proposed site would have been accessed from Road 81N and included stockpiling and processing used tires. Truck traffic associated with hauling processed rubber could have reached five loads per day for five consecutive days once or twice annually. The facility would have included three tire storage piles measuring up to 50 metres long and seven metres high, along with stockpiles of processed material.
• June has been designated Cat Management Month in Woodlands. In partnership with Woodlands Veterinary Clinic, the municipality will collect feral cats, assess them and, if healthy, spay or neuter them to help manage the feline population. The RM’s animal control bylaw prohibits domestic cats from running at large.
• Council authorized the bylaw officer to impound a dangerous dog owned by a Winnipeg resident and arrange for its euthanasia. Councillors Bryan Myskiw and Valerie Stelck voted against the resolution. The dog was euthanized in April following notification requirements outlined in the municipality’s animal control bylaw.
• Council approved a design change to the Invicta Trail project after the Warren Communities in Bloom committee requested the removal of a planned parking lot. The change is expected to cost approximately $5,000.
• Council approved a $6,500 change order for Dillon Consulting to provide contract administration services for the Hanlan Street paving project in Warren. Council previously awarded the paving contract to Bituminex Paving Ltd. for $104,620 plus tax.
• Council will send a letter to Settlers, Rails and Trails acknowledging the donation of Erinside School, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1914, to the museum. Council will also send a letter supporting the RM of Rockwood’s effort to redesignate the school as a historic site.
• Compensation for mowing the grounds at St. Luke’s Church will increase to $75 per cut from $55 to account for Workers Compensation coverage requirements.
• Council accepted a $74,737 quote from CRCS Recreation to supply and install playground equipment at Warren Lion’s Park.
• Council conditionally approved a request from a Warren resident to operate a home-based car-detailing business on Poplar Drive.
• Two municipal teams were authorized to participate in the 21st Annual Ralph Eichler Charity Golf Tournament. The cost is $600 per team. Up to eight municipal representatives are authorized to attend. The tournament has been rescheduled to July 3.
• The RM will purchase a wheel loader from Toromont CAT for $245,527 plus tax. The current public works loader will be reassigned to the transfer station.
• Council accepted a $145,800 quote from Capital I Industries for three one-way grader plows with lift groups.
• Council approved the rental of two Case IH Maxxum-Puma 150 tractors from Leo’s Sales and Service for roadside mowing at a cost of $4,350 plus tax per month for each tractor.
• The RM provided a $125 sponsorship for the Relay for Life event organized by Warren, Teulon and Stonewall collegiate institutes.
• Council approved quotes from Bayview Construction for asphalt paving and sidewalk work on Good Street and Broadfoot Avenue in Woodlands. Phase 1 is expected to cost $494,560 in 2026, while Phase 2 is projected at $293,135 in 2027.
• A 2015 Ford F-250 will be transferred from the RM fleet to the Local Urban District fleet at a value of $12,500. Council also approved the purchase of a new Ford F-250 from Wilf’s Elie Ford for $88,844 plus tax.
• Council conditionally approved a home-based gunsmith business in Argyle operating as Winnipeg Firearm Safety and Northern Woods Outdoors. Services will include firearm storage, destruction, sales and transfers by appointment only. The business will operate as a satellite location of an existing Winnipeg operation.
“Security is a top priority. The premises will be equipped with secure firearm storage systems, monitored alarm systems and video surveillance to ensure the safety of the property, stored firearms and surrounding community at all times,” states the applicant’s letter of intent. “Access to stored firearms will be strictly controlled and limited to authorized personnel in accordance with applicable regulations.”
• Council approved a $15,003 quote from Vanderveen First Aid for first responder training for up to 18 members of the Woodlands Fire Department.
• The RM will purchase kitchen chairs, office chairs, a picnic table and a barbecue for the public works shop at a cost of $4,755.26 plus tax.
• Council contracted KGS to provide part-time contract administration services for the reconstruction of Good Street and Broadfoot Avenue.
• Council accepted a quote from Whispering Oaks Greenhouse for planting services at the municipal office and public works shop.
• For the upcoming municipal election, voting officials will receive $350 and assistant voting officials will receive $300. Training will be compensated at $20 per hour, and mileage will be reimbursed at 60¢ per kilometre. Election officials will also receive a $40 meal allowance on voting day.
• Council approved a one-year extension to its contract with Amrize Canada, formerly known as Lafarge Canada, to supply limestone in 2026. The company also supplied limestone in 2025.
