Council members from both the Town of Altona and Municipality of Rhineland recently had the opportunity to connect separately with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk.
"It's always good to get the opportunity to talk directly to the minister-in-charge along with his staff," said Altona Mayor Harv Schroeder, adding Borderland MLA Josh Guenter also attended.
Schroeder noted, the Altona delegation, which included councillors Perry Batchelor and Craig Smiley along with CAO Dan Gagne, was sure to thank the Minister for the Province's commitment on the Main Street project which is set for 2023.
As well, a request for the Province to resurface a 1 mile stretch of PR 201, Centre Avenue, through town was repeated.
"We provided some history on Centre Avenue, and requested that the one mile that has been left out from the whole PR 201 project, which they want to continue out east next summer. We just felt that we needed to bring it to their attention that there's short piece that runs through Altona that we would like them to resurface," said Schroeder.
The Province's highway access management plan proposed for Highway 30 along the eastern edge of town was also brought up.
"Removing those access points is not something we see as an option," noted Schroeder. "We feel that it doesn't make sense, and shared frustrations over losing potential business investments in our community."
While the group didn't receive any direct answers on the discussion topics, Schroeder says the opportunity to share concerns was appreciated and know that their requests are being reviewed.
Meantime, the delegation for the Municipality of Rhineland used their opportunity to share concerns regarding provincial drain maintenance and reconstruction.
"We talked a bit about the Buffalo, South Buffalo, Aux Marais and St. Joseph drains," said Reeve Don Wiebe.
The idea of building low-level crossings was also brought up.
"Low-level crossings would certainly make sense for farmers, it is a convenience for farmers," explained Wiebe. "And also helps in reducing large ag equipment on our provincial highways. As an example, Highway 14. But, we were informed this would require a policy change and were assured this was still under consideration."
Timely snow clearing of provincial roads also came up, along with a more active approach to opening drains and bridges during the spring flooding season.
Meantime, the Municipality recently received some good news from the Manitoba Good Roads Association.
"I am very pleased to announced that Rhineland Municipality has been selected as an award winner for The Most Improved Roads in District 2," exclaimed Wiebe. "I want to commend out Public Works staff for their hardwork and dedication."