Now that 2026 has begun, Woodlands’ reeve offers a few reflections on the year that just wrapped up.
“As we close out 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together as a municipality,” said Reeve Doug Oliver.
Happy 2026 from Woodlands council. Left to right: Coun. Bryan Myskiw, Deputy Reeve Lorna Broadfoot, Reeve Douglas Oliver, Coun. Carl Fleury, Coun. Val Stelck, Coun. Darrell Sinclair and Coun. Darryl Langrell
“This year has been marked by significant investments in infrastructure, community amenities and long-term planning to ensure the RM of Woodlands continues to thrive.”
In 2025, engineering and preparatory work began for major projects, including Hanlan Street paving, transfer station improvements and the regional water project. Another ongoing initiative is the Good/Broadfoot reconstruction project, which involves reconstructing the portions of Good Street and Broadfoot Avenue that border Woodlands School. These streets, which are currently gravel, will be rebuilt with a proper base, asphalt and a sidewalk.
“We gravelled 172 miles of roads, ensuring safer and more reliable travel throughout the RM. Drainage improvements included cleaning 7.5 kilometres of Colony Creek drain and completing the Road 76.5 drainage project,” Oliver added.
“The Erinview Hall reconstruction was completed following the structure fire in 2023. We invested in equipment to support municipal operations, purchasing a grader, Schulte mower, zero-turn mower and wheeled excavator.”
Community enhancements included installing the Meadow Lea columbarium, constructing a new parking lot for the Woodlands Clinic, widening Road 82N from Provincial Trunk Highway 6 to Provincial Road 248 and reconstructing the Hanlan Street sidewalk in Warren.
“The LUD committee added solar lighting to the Kotelko Walkway and improved pathways and features in Lions Park, and the municipality upgraded recycling infrastructure at the transfer station while introducing community recycling bins in Woodlands,” Oliver said.
“For public safety, we purchased a drone and radios for the fire department and commenced preliminary work on a high-volume well for Warren. We also approved a significant investment in cybersecurity following a breach this past summer.”
In addition, the RM modernized municipal services by implementing paperless billing and receipts for taxes and utilities and will be accepting debit payments in 2026.
“These accomplishments reflect our commitment to improving quality of life, enhancing safety and planning for future growth,” Oliver said.
“While 2025 was a year of progress, 2026 promises continued momentum. We have completed preliminary work on several projects that we intend to complete this year. We are also excited to have some interest in housing development in the LUD of Warren and hope to see some more new homes in the new year.”
Key projects for 2026 budget consideration include advancing the Good/Broadfoot reconstruction project and Hanlan Street paving, both with sidewalks. Council will also consider ongoing transfer station improvements, road widening and frost boil repair programs, as well as the reconstruction of Lisgar Street in Marquette and Solvason Avenue in Woodlands.
Work will also continue on the regional water project, pending Municipal Board borrowing approval, and developing a high-volume well in Warren. As well, the town will prepare for the general municipal election later in the year.
“On behalf of council and staff, I thank our residents for their support and engagement throughout 2025,” Oliver said.
“Together, we’ve built a strong foundation for the future, and I look forward to working with you as we take the next steps in 2026.”
