The Rural Municipality (RM) of St. Laurent is pursuing provincial grants to modernize its Old Town Hall and establish a trilingual library offering French, English, and Michif services. Reeve Richard Chartrand says the projects aim to improve accessibility and cultural inclusivity for residents.
Pursuing accessibility and cultural inclusion
The municipality applied for funding to install accessible washrooms and upgrade the historic building, which will house the South Interlake Regional Library Group. Council previously secured support to join the regional library system but now requires additional grants to finalize infrastructure.
"We’ve already been successful in applying for the library to be part of [the regional group], but now we need the funding to get that structure in place," Chartrand says.
If approved, the upgrades would make the Old Town Hall compliant with modern accessibility standards while preserving its heritage character.
A first for Canadian libraries
Chartrand notes the proposed library would be the first in Canada to offer resources and services in French, English, and Michif—a Cree-based Métis language—reflecting the region’s cultural diversity.
"That will probably be the first one in Canada to offer French, English, and Michif services at this library," he adds. "We believe the library is going to be beneficial to the RM of St. Laurent and for that catchment basin."
Council anticipates sharing photos of the site as plans progress. No timeline has been set for construction, but Chartrand emphasizes the project’s priority amid ongoing advocacy for provincial support.