A key concern in the RM of Cartier centres on pedestrian safety along a busy stretch of road in the Lido Plage area, where there are currently no sidewalks.
Reeve Christa Vann Mitchell outlines that the municipality is looking to build a path to connect the community to the Grand Trunk Trail, improving safety for residents walking toward Headingley along the highway.
“There is nowhere for... there's no sidewalks. So we're looking at putting in a path and connecting it to the Grand Trunk Trail just as a safety issue because people are walking straight on the little Plage highway going the back way to Headingley and it's very concerning for us.”
The proposed solution aims to prevent potential accidents and improve day-to-day accessibility for pedestrians in the region.
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Regional infrastructure plans under review
Vann Mitchell also highlights a larger regional infrastructure initiative in partnership with neighbouring municipalities. Cartier is currently waiting for a report from the Manitoba Water Services Board regarding a proposed low-pressure sewer system that could be shared with St. François Xavier and Headingley. The goal is to assess the feasibility of a regional wastewater facility.
“We're looking as a regional approach to low pressure sewer. So Cartier is working with Saint Francis and Headingley on a maybe a waste facility, but we have to wait for the report from Manitoba Services Board.”
She notes that the Water Services Board’s infrastructure portfolio is under significant strain, and decisions will depend on the province’s next steps.
Wildlife sightings prompt caution
Beyond infrastructure, the RM is dealing with a noticeable rise in wildlife activity, including bears and coyotes in areas where they’re not usually seen.
“If you see something, please report it. Please call the municipality... or if you see something, just call the office or call your councillor or your Reeve.”
Vann Mitchell stresses the importance of community involvement in reporting incidents to help keep residents safe. While it’s unclear if wildfires are directly driving the animals closer to populated areas, she speculates that it may be part of a natural cycle tied to food availability.
The RM awaits further developments from the province regarding both funding and environmental impacts but continues to manage priorities while maintaining essential services.
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