"2024 was just an incredible, active year for our municipality." That from Don Wiebe, Reeve for the Municipality of Rhineland, in a year-end interview with PembinaValleyOnline.
Activities throughout the year included some big-ticket capital projects, like the fortification of the south side of the Border Road west of Gretna.
"This was seriously compromised due to high water events on the Pembina (River). So, Rhineland made a claim under the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program. The application was accepted and, as a result, the Border Road is now stabilized," explained Wiebe.
Additionally, the Municipality is awaiting the approval of two more DFA applications. The first is for a three-span bridge across the Buffalo Creek at Road 9W and the second, a repair on Road 7.
Water, wastewater and drainage
Meantime, a pair of line looping projects were completed in 2024. One is expected to improve water pressure in the village of Blumenort, and a second saw the line twinned from the Plum Coulee Reservoir to the Rhineland West Ag Park just outside of Winkler.
"That's a growing park and they need more water there," noted Wiebe.
Also in Plum Coulee, the Municipality ran a lagoon desludging pilot program in an effort to extend the lifespan of the facility.
"And it appears to be quite successful! From all reports, the sludge has now been reduced by 14 inches," explained the Reeve.
As for the Municipality's ongoing Priority Grain Roads project, Wiebe says the three-phase program didn't wrap up this past year as planned thanks to those heavy summer rains.
"The Rosenheim Drain threatened to flood on the south side of the road, so we took a moment and raised a section of Road 9W. We'll finish the rest of the project in 2025."
Those heavy summer rains continued to cause flooding in parts throughout Rhineland, added Wiebe, once again resulting in significant crop damage.
"Rhineland has worked closely with farmers and the area's Superintendent to document the concerns in order to demonstrate the need for provincial drain maintenance. This year, the focus was on the South Buffalo, Rosenheim and the Highway 201 drains. Rhineland has also consulted with hydrologists in problem areas."
The challenge, however, noted Wiebe, is that finding solutions for low-level areas is quite complex.
"In our communication with the Province, we've also conveyed and stressed the importance to maintain and replace bridges and also, low-level crossings across provincial drains."
Council's lobby efforts don't stop there. Most recently, officials reached out to Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor's office, requesting the department examine safety concerns at the intersection of highways 201 and 306 following November's fatal crash.
Inter-municipal collaboration and communication
This past year, Wiebe reported that Rhineland held special meetings with several of its neighbouring municipalities including the R.M.s of Morris, Montcalm and Stanley.
"These meetings were quite productive, not only in sharing concerns but with coordinating water management and road maintenance."
In addition, the Municipality continued to work closely with the Town of Altona, with which it shares several committees like Shared Services, RPGA Planning District, to name a few. Issues and concerns that arose in 2024 included healthcare, economic development, fringe area development including a traffic study on Highway 30.
As well, Wiebe says Rhineland worked collaboratively with the Pembina Valley Water Co-op's 13 other member municipalities, unanimously agreeing to an aggressive capital infrastructure program with the goal of developing a secure and sustainable supply of drinking water for the growing region.
Community celebrations
Towards the end of the year, Council also moved ahead with significant improvements to the Gretna arena.
"We have new doors, a dehumidification system, major improvements to the entrance and viewing areas, new washrooms and the canteen has been renovated," said Wiebe. "We're hearing a lot of good compliments."
As well, the community celebrated the grand opening of the new firehall and public works building in Plum Coulee.
In conclusion, Wiebe commended the Municipality's staff and administration for their commitment and diligence in dealing with every-day work, and members of Council for their dedication and service.