March is a high-information month at the RM. We’re moving into spring conditions (which impacts roads), Council is entering budget season, and a Municipal Board hearing is scheduled related to the RM’s updated Zoning By-law.
Municipal Board Hearing Scheduled on Zoning By-law Objections
A public hearing has been scheduled by The Municipal Board of Manitoba regarding the RM’s Zoning By-law No. 04-2025 (Municipal Board file 25B3-0001). This hearing is taking place because objections from the public were received and the matter was referred to the Board under provincial planning law.
The key thing residents should know is that The Municipal Board is an independent provincial tribunal. It is separate from the RM and separate from Council. Its job is to hold a fair hearing process, receive information, and make a decision within its legal authority.
Updating a zoning by-law is a normal part of municipal planning. The RM has been working on this update through a structured process that included professional planning support and opportunities for community input over an extended planning period. This hearing is part of the provincial process that applies when objections are filed to a proposed by-law. The RM’s role is to provide the required information and keep residents informed through official updates as the process unfolds.
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Reynolds Civic Centre (45030 PTH 11, Hadashville). Additional dates (March 12–13) may be used if needed.
If you want to understand what is being considered, the best first step is to read the official hearing notice and supporting materials. The RM Office will maintain public viewing access to the proposed by-law and hearing materials. The Municipal Board also posts public hearing notices, forms, and procedures online.
The Municipal Board’s process requires people who wish to present to register in advance. Because this newsletter is being published close to the hearing dates, anyone considering participation beyond attending should review the official notice immediately and contact The Municipal Board directly for guidance.
What happens next: After the hearing concludes, The Municipal Board will review the information presented and issue its written decision. Once the RM receives the decision, we will share an update through official channels and outline any next steps that apply.
More information (official sources):
• Public Hearing Notices: https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/municipal_board/notices.html
• Hearing Procedures: https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/municipal_board/hearings/index.html
What are Zoning By-laws (and why Should Residents Care)?
A zoning by-law is one of the RM’s main planning tools. It sets out how land can be used and developed across the municipality by dividing the RM into zoning districts (for example, residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreation, or other locally defined zones).
Zoning rules exist to support orderly development and help prevent land-use conflicts. In practical terms, a zoning by-law defines what uses are permitted in different areas, and it sets development standards such as minimum lot sizes, setbacks from property lines, building height, and site requirements. These rules are often most relevant when someone wants to build, renovate, change how a property is used, subdivide land, or apply for a development approval.
A common confusion is the difference between zoning and the building code. Zoning answers “What can I do on this property, and what approvals might I need?” The building code answers “How must something be built to be safe and compliant?”
Zoning by-laws are updated over time to reflect changing land-use realities, updated provincial requirements and planning practices, and community priorities. If you have questions about how zoning rules apply to your property, contact the RM Office and we’ll help you find the right information.
Budget Season is Here: What it is, What Happens Next, and how to Follow Along
Every spring, the RM enters budget season. This is when Council and Administration prepare the RM’s annual financial plan. The financial plan guides what services can be delivered, what projects can move forward, and how the RM will manage costs responsibly.
You will hear more about budgeting in March and April for a simple reason. This is when the major pieces of the plan are being built and reviewed. It is also the best time of year for residents to understand the RM’s priorities, ask questions, and provide input.
At a high level, the municipal budget includes two big components. First is the operating budget, which covers day-to-day services and administration (for example, roads operations and maintenance, waste services and facilities, municipal buildings and utilities, staffing, insurance, and required professional services). Second is the capital plan, which covers larger projects and equipment needs (for example, major repairs and replacements, equipment and fleet needs, and facility improvements). The financial plan also considers longer-term needs, such as reserves and multi-year planning, so major replacements do not become emergencies.
Council’s role is to set priorities and service levels. This includes what work gets done, what can realistically be delivered within the year, and what longer-term needs must be planned for.
A Quick Clarification on Assessments, Mill Rates, and Your Municipal Taxes
Budget discussions often raise questions about assessments, so it helps to separate what is municipal and what is provincial.
The municipal budget does not set your property’s assessed value. Property assessments are determined through provincial assessment processes. The RM’s budget process determines the RM’s municipal funding requirement, which is the amount the RM needs to raise to deliver municipal services. Council then sets the municipal mill rate, which is the rate used to calculate the municipal portion of your taxes based on your assessed value.
The RM of Reynolds continues to maintain one of the lowest municipal mill rates in the province. This helps keep the municipal portion of taxes as low as possible while still funding core services and priorities.
If you have questions about how the municipal portion of your taxes is calculated, contact the RM Office. We will help you interpret what you are seeing and direct you to the right information.
How Residents can Participate in a Meaningful Way
If you want to provide input, focus on what matters most to you, such as service levels, road priorities, project timing, and community needs. Asking questions early helps staff point you to the right section of the plan.
The 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting agendas and minutes remain the most reliable way to track what is being discussed and decided.
What happens next: Over the next several weeks, Council and Administration will continue building and refining the draft 2026 financial plan. Once a draft is ready, it will be posted for residents to review ahead of the public hearing. After the hearing, Council considers the feedback received, then adopts the financial plan.
Spring Road Restrictions and Drainage: What to Expect as Temperatures Rise
As temperatures rise and freeze/thaw conditions set in, roads become more vulnerable. Spring road restrictions are designed to protect roads during the softest time of year and reduce long-term damage.
Manitoba’s 2026 Spring Road Restrictions begin at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, and are scheduled to end at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026.
If your household, farm, or business relies on deliveries or heavy hauling, March and April are the months to plan carefully. Build flexibility into your schedule and keep an eye on official restriction updates, as timing and conditions can change.
As snowmelt begins, drainage also becomes more important. Keeping culverts clear where safely possible helps prevent pooling and washouts. If you notice significant pooling, washouts, or blocked drainage near a municipal road, please report it to the RM Office.
More information (official sources):
• Manitoba SRR program page: https://www.gov.mb.ca/mti/srr/index.html
April Training Opportunity: Experiential Tourism Workshop Coming to Reynolds
Are you looking for new ways to grow your business and create unforgettable moments for your customers?
The Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC), in partnership with the RM of Reynolds, is hosting a two-day training series on Experiential Tourism this April. The workshop is designed to help businesses and community organizations go beyond traditional sightseeing by creating authentic, immersive experiences that engage the senses and reflect local community values.
Whether you already serve tourists or want to start, you will learn a process for creating new customer experiences while increasing business revenue. The workshop is also a strong opportunity to build partnerships and collaborate with others in the region.
The training runs April 14 & 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Reynolds Community Hall (45030 MB-11, Hadashville). Cost is $40, which includes lunch. Space is limited.
To register, contact Cyndie Mitchell at 204-426-5305 or edo@rmofreynolds.com.
RM of Reynolds Student Bursary: Applications Open for the Class of 2026
The RM of Reynolds offers post-secondary bursaries to support local students as they take the next step after graduation.
For 2026, Council will award two $500 bursaries; one for an eligible student connected to Sunrise School Division and one for an eligible student connected to Seine River School Division. The bursary is intended to support students pursuing post-secondary education or trade school, with proof of enrolment provided before funds are issued.
Applications are due May 1, 2026 (late applications are not accepted). Completed applications can be submitted in person/mail to the RM Office or emailed in PDF format to admin@rmofreynolds.com.
The application package also outlines what to include with your submission, such as your most recent transcript/report card and a short, written summary about yourself, your goals, and your school/community involvement.
For more information and the application package, please visit the RM website
Province Launches Business Security Rebate Program
The Province of Manitoba has launched a Business Security Rebate Program to help businesses offset costs related to security upgrades and repairs to property damage.
The program includes $10 million in available funding and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis while funding remains available. Eligible businesses can receive up to $2,500 per business location, subject to program requirements.
If you’re considering improvements such as security equipment upgrades (purchase and installation) or repairs to damage, review the official eligibility criteria and application details through the Province of Manitoba.
More information and the application: https://www.manitoba.ca/justice/securityrebate.html
Community Connections: Upcoming Events
Every Monday (all day): Primary Health Care Clinic — Reynolds Civic Centre. Call 204-348-2291 to book an appointment.
Every Wednesday (1:00 pm): Hadashville Seniors Club — Reynolds Civic Centre (Hadashville). All are welcome.
Every Friday (6:00 pm): Chase the Ace — Ste. Rita Friendly Hands Club (Ste. Rita).
Every Sunday (4:30 pm): Bingo — Ste. Rita Friendly Hands Club (Ste. Rita).
March 6 (6:00 pm): Bingo — Reynolds Community Club (Prawda).
March 10, 2026 (6:00 pm): Regular Council Meeting.
March 11–13, 2026 (9:30 am): Municipal Board Hearing (Zoning By-law).
March 19 (1:00–2:00 pm): Reynolds Food Bank — Reynolds Civic Centre (Hadashville).
March 20 (6:00 pm): Game Night — Reynolds Community Club (Hadashville).
March 24, 2026 (6:00 pm): Regular Council Meeting.
March 28 (10:00 am): Easter Egg Hunt — Reynolds Community Club (Hadashville).
