St. Pierre Jolys RCMP Staff Seargent Ron Poirier made a virtual appearance at Ritchot council’s meeting on November 5 meeting to discuss the region’s second quarter crime statistics.
He says there have been some nominal increases and decreases in crime across the RM, but nothing of great note. There was an increase in traffic tickets handed out during this period and a decrease in traffic warnings.
“Just be aware that one of our members that was very traffic-oriented has left the organization and gone to OPP,” Poirier says. “That means that I might see a reduction in statistics moving forward. He carried a lot of that load for us.”
According to Poirier, residents of St. Adolphe fell victim to the largest number of reported property crimes in the RM this quarter. Two of those, he says, were residential break-ins.
As for human resources in the detachment, Poirier says they have four vacancies at the moment. One of those is temporary.
“To support Manitoba North, we’ve had to send one investigator north for a 28-day period,” says Poirier. “It’s a program they’ve developed to get the south to aid the north, which is really struggling HR-wise. Everybody has to send a body on a 28-day rotation once every three months. So we lose an investigator here to try to lessen the burden up north.”
Poirier says that he anticipates a replacement for the three other vacancies by January, but three more vacancies are expected by April of next year.
Councillor Joel Lemoine questioned Poirier on the proper protocol for residents to follow when strange occurrences take place. He noted a specific incident reported on social media by a resident of Ste. Agathe who was flagged and followed by a stranger in an unknown vehicle.
Poirier reminds the public that posting concerns such as this to social media is pointless. The most effective means of curbing this kind of crime is to place a call to the RCMP with as much detail as possible.
On a similar note, Councillor Janine Boulanger reported issues with vehicles creating havoc in the Howden Community Hall parking lot. Identifying the vehicle, Poirier says, especially a license plate number, provides the best opportunity to stop such crimes.
IDC Main Street Overruns
Following the completion of the Île-des-Chênes (IDC) Main Street rehabilitation project, CAO Mitch Duval brought to council’s attention a cost overrun, as well the means by which it can be managed.
According to Duval, council’s budget for the project ran up to $2.5 million. In actuality, costs of $2.86 million were realized, creating a deficit of $360,000.
Reserves from previous Manitoba Hydro CDI funding will aid in bringing this deficit down.
“Those dollars were originally committed for the IDC Heritage Park,” says Duval. “But because of the slow movement regarding that project, it’s a recommendation from the CFO to flip those funds towards Main Street to offset the overruns.”
The remaining balance of $187,000 could be paid out of general reserves, he adds.
Garbage Services
Council voted unanimously in favour of hiring Bristal Hauling to manage the municipality’s garbage contract for the term covering 2025 to 2027. Bristal Hauling came in with the lowest bid of three, including the RM’s current provider, GFL Environmental Inc.
The difference in cost came to $21,900.
Boulanger queried Duval’s recommendation to switch providers.
“I think everyone was happy with GFL,” Boulanger said. “I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing because there’s always a learning curve with new garbage and recycling contracts.”
Duval admitted that growing pains are to be expected anytime there’s a shift in service providers.
Bristal Hauling will likewise take over recycling services in the RM for the next term. Duval says a request has been made to keep the pickup days the same, if at all possible.
Council also gave first reading to changes in the waste levy bylaw. According to Duval, residents should see an approximate $2 decrease in their annual waste levy in 2025. Going forward, 2026 and 2027 will each see a $10 per year increase.
“To flash back five years ago, we will be just above our 2020 rate, which was $173.40,” Duval told council. “So I think going to an automated cart system in 2020 was a good idea. It has saved costs moving forward and now, basically at the end of 2027, we’ll be back to where we were before, but with the carts.”
Businesses in the RM with bin pickup will see their rates rise over the next three years with consecutive hikes of $30, $45, and $50. Their current rate comes to $280.
