RM of Rosedale Tackles Water Control, Bylaws, and Budget Planning
By Rrain Prior - Local Journalism Initiative

The December meeting of the RM of Rosedale opened with an informative presentation from Haley Nelson, the new water resources officer. Nelson provided clarity on when water control permits are required, addressing several questions from Council.

Permits fall into two main categories: a $100 registration for specific activities like minor works that meet all other requirements, including upstream and downstream landowner approvals, and a $500 license for more complex projects such as deeper ditching or DIY tile drainage. An interactive map on the Government of Manitoba’s drainage site allows Council members and the public to view issued permits and access additional information for obtaining one.

For RM projects, such as ditch cleanouts, surveying and compliance with other prerequisites would be required. However, Council can consolidate several quarters into a single $500 license if the quarters are contiguous. Once granted, the license remains valid indefinitely, allowing the work to be completed in stages. Council was especially interested in understanding the regulations surrounding culvert upgrades and new crossings as part of ongoing research for a new bylaw.

Approach Bylaw in Development
CAO McDonald presented a draft bylaw for approaches after months of discussions and consultations with other RMs. While still in development, the draft outlines potential regulations, including a fining structure for non-compliant residents and stipulations around landowner agreements. This was not the bylaw’s first reading; rather, it was distributed for feedback to ensure Council is satisfied with its direction.

A key point of debate remains whether the system should adopt a user-pay model or be incorporated into the municipal budget through a mill rate increase. Council aims to finalize and vote on the bylaw early in the new year.

Additional Agenda Items
The meeting also covered several other important topics. Council discussed a prospective grants bylaw, preparations for the upcoming Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) conference, and the interim budget for 2025. Animal control and the 2025 meeting schedule were also on the agenda.

With these discussions, the RM of Rosedale continues to focus on addressing pressing community needs while planning for future growth and sustainability. Council anticipates making significant progress on key initiatives as they move into the new year.