WWW.RMOFSPRINGFIELD.CA SPRINGFIELD MANITOBA 151 YEARS OF RICH HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT
151 YEARS OF RICH HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT SPRINGFIELD, MB AT A GLANCE THE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF SPRINGFIELD WHAT: T he oldest and one of the largest municipalities in Manitoba WHERE: A djacent to the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba WEBSITE: www.rmofspringfield.ca 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
A THRIVING MUNICIPALITY WHERE RURAL CHARM MEETS MODERN GROWTH Springfield, Manitoba, may have a peaceful rural landscape, but it is a community driven by innovation and progress. Established in 1873, Springfield is the oldest rural municipality (RM) in the province, boasting 151 years of rich history and development. Spanning 1,100 square kilometers, the municipality is one of the largest municipalities in Manitoba. Mayor Patrick Therrien proudly emphasizes Springfield’s 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
strategic location, saying, “We’re situated straight east of the city of Winnipeg. We may border the city, but we have that rural way of life here. We have two major railroads, CN and CP, coming through our area, and four arteries leading into Winnipeg south and north, as well as Highway 1. So, Springfield is in an ideal location for business development. A RECREATION AND TOURISM HAVEN Springfield offers an inviting array of natural beauty and attractions, including proximity to Birds Hill Provincial Park.The 10,000-acre Birds Hill Provincial Park hosts the annual Winnipeg Folk Festival and is a major draw for tourists to the region. Birds Hill Provincial Park Park also boasts two large Polo fields, and home to Springfield Polo Club , a small but motivated club. Springfield also boasts a large horse community, trails into Birds Hill, and around the northwest area of Springfield. In addition, the municipality is home to two of Western Canada’s most prestigious golf courses, Pine Ridge and Elmhurst.“Donald Ross is an architect of renowned reputation, and he’s the designer of those golf courses,” Therrien details. Another beloved attraction is Pineridge Hollow, a country shopping experience featuring a curated collection of furniture, clothing, home goods and décor, alongside a farmers’ market and a variety of artisan products. “We’re strategically very well located, and we’re very much sought after. It’s a really great place to live,” depicts the mayor. The Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church and Grotto, a provincial and national historic site, is another popular attraction.Therrien describes, “It’s an exceptional church, visually speaking, and the grotto is something out of this world. They have a medieval festival there every two years that draws thousands of people over the weekend. The municipality is also focused on providing recreational amenities to serve the whole community, with plans for a new recreation center in the works. The phased approach-two phases-will be more cost effective. 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SPRINGFIELD, MB
4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
® Founded and Headquartered in the RM of Springfield since 1976 Fuel & Bulk Storage Commercial Steel Buildings WGI Westman Group Inc. is one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel products. To learn more about our diverse group of companies and to see our entire portfolio of products, visit westmangroup.com. © 2024 Westmangrou Inc. Registered Trademarks Used Under License. Culvert & Drainage Solutions
WGI WESTMAN GROUP INC.: A LEADER IN STEEL MANUFACTURING Founded in 1976 with a single culvert mill, Russ Edwards built WGI Westman Group Inc. into one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel products. Today, WGI employs over 2,000 people across 80 facilities in Canada and the United States, continuing to grow organically and through acquisitions while offering high-quality products worldwide. WGI’S DIVERSE PORTFOLIO OF COMPANIES: Armtec: Armtec is a leading national manufacturer of a comprehensive range of infrastructure products and engineered construction solutions for customers in a diverse cross-section of industries. Their dedicated team is focused on your success, making Armtec a trusted partner for transportation, public works, forestry, oil and gas, and mining operations throughout the country and abroad. Artspan: Artspan is an industry leading manufacturer of structural insulated steel panel products. Their insulated metal panels provide exceptional structural building envelope solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.Artspan’s unique building systems are durable, versatile, functional, and efficient. Behlen Industries LP: One of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel building systems, BEHLEN has delivered quality pre-engineered solutions for over 55 years. Their Rigid Frame and Frameless structures cater to recreational, industrial, commercial, and institutional markets through a network of authorized builders across North America. Meridian Manufacturing Inc.: Specializing in bulk storage and handling solutions for the agricultural, industrial, and energy sectors, Meridian’s product lineup includes steel storage silos, fuel tanks, water storage, containment systems, augers, and conveyors. Convey-All: Convey-All was the first Canadian manufacturer to produce agricultural tube conveyors, and have since developed a diverse range of products for the agricultural and energy sectors. Westman Steel Industries: Westman Steel Industries is one of Canada’s largest providers of premium steel products, including steel siding and roofing.Through continued innovation, improved product quality and effective support material, Westman Steel is building a solid foundation for helping customers make their own unique Statements in Steel. U-Build Steel Buildings: U-Build Steel Buildings is your direct from manufacturer route to purchasing your next custom steel building. With 55+ years of experience in the steel building industry, you’ll be accessing a wealth of knowledge when you choose to build with U-Build. WGI not only exemplifies excellence in steel manufacturing but also sets the stage for future growth, driven by a dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Recognized as a Platinum Member of ‘Canada’s Best Managed Companies,’ WGI Westman Group Inc. is poised to further strengthen its legacy in the industry.
“That’s a project that we’ve been planning for a long time. Right now, we have grant funding in the amount of $4.7 million towards it,” conveys CAO, Colleen Draper. “Phase One of the project will cost approximately $18 million. That consists of a community kitchen, a gym, a multi purpose room, an indoor playground, and administrative offices.” Phase two, which is hoped to begin over the next few years, will include a multi-use turf area. A DOWNTOWN VISION With so much to offer, this rural municipality is far from complacent. Springfield is actively planning for the future, and continued downtown development in the village of Oakbank is on the agenda. “We’re anticipating having some kind of a dialog with our community to see how we want to envision our downtown to be,” discloses Therrien.“We want to 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SPRINGFIELD, MB
have a plan going forward where we can see what our vision is.” A new sidewalk system was recently added, and Therrien describes beautiful walkways, perfect for walking or cycling, and a variety of shops and restaurants to bring people to the area. “We’re in a very rural setting. We’re close to the city, but we focus on keeping that rural lifestyle for the people that come here,” he notes. Currently Springfield’s downtown boasts mixed-use development and wellmaintained facilities, including two malls, with plans for upgrades to keep pace with the town’s growth. HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION Like many municipalities, Springfield faces the challenges of housing shortages and infrastructure needs. However, with a new water treatment plant in the works, the municipality is prepared to address 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
safety measures, such as fire hydrants, to parts of the community that currently rely on well water. The addition of high-density housing is essential for the town’s aging population.“We want to have aging in place, so our community demographics can stay within the area,” he relays. “We’re starting soon on construction of the Dugald Place project, a senior housing, assisted living facility. We hope to have construction starting quite soon, which is going to include a commercial pool area both. “Once our water treatment plant is up and running, we will be able to expand at a better rate, because we’re at capacity now with our current and aging infrastructure,” Therrien acknowledges. He shares that the RM has received a grant of $10.6 million for the new water treatment plant, adding, “That plant is going to be large enough that we can take in all the expansions that we need- obviously, in a graduated approach, we’re not just going to be throwing houses down. We have a great strategic plan.” The project will also bring additional fire 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SPRINGFIELD, MB
Mayor Therrien expands,“We have several different business areas here that are doing very well. Our biggest one is the Springfield industrial park. It has a main artery for the CN and CP track and it’s right beside the City of Winnipeg. It’s got Highway 1 going by it. So that Springfield Industrial Park is very highly sought after.” He mentions Plessis Road Business Park as another popular area, as well as the upcoming addition of a light industrial park adjacent to Highway 1. “We also have in our plans to have commercial along Highway 207, east on highway 1 going into Winnipeg.” that will be attached to the building, allowing the RM of Springfield to provide community programming.” A $1 million grant has been allocated to this development, which will have a central location in the municipality. ATTRACTING BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL GROWTH Springfield’s ideal location is not only appealing to residents but to businesses as well. The RM has designated new lands for employment uses, focusing on light industrial and commercial growth. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
11 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SPRINGFIELD, MB
Draper shares that Springfield has worked hard to ensure that the RM remains a convenient place for businesses to locate.“We have an in-house building and permitting department, which makes it easy for developers to come in,” she says. “We have the expertise in house, as we do both part nine and part three permits, which are residential and commercial. That’s a big benefit for consultants to have that internal expertise.” Along with this, the municipality continuously reviews its development fees and levies, to ensure they remain competitive. The municipal website also provides up to date demographic statistics for potential developers to review. “We have a very skilled workforce in Springfield. So that helps when people are considering where to locate their businesses,” Draper highlights. When it comes to supporting existing entities, the RM maintains a strong relationship with the Chamber of Commerce, helping to showcase promotions and Where you need us to be. 1.800.264.2926 | accesscu.ca ACCESS CREDIT UNION 12 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
events. Draper underscores,“We want to encourage supporting existing businesses just as much as welcoming new ones.” A LOOK AHEAD Looking forward, Springfield’s efforts are being put towards thoughtful development that balances growth with community well-being. Draper outlines, “Right now we’re focused on ensuring we have adequate water and sewer capacity. That brings in the business, but it also allows for more development that can give us more accessible housing options.” Mayor Therrien points to infrastructure improvements such as upgrading the water treatment plant and decommissioning an old lagoon as pivotal for the municipality as it moves into the future. The $1.8 million lagoon project will create a marsh area, footpaths, and green spaces that reflect Springfield’s commitment to both growth and conservation.“That will demonstrate that it’s not all development that we’re looking at,” he reflects. “Of course, that’s part of our initiative as well because we have to bring in that tax base. Every RM has that same difficulty. It is a balance.” The purchase of 39 acres of land was a significant acquisition for Springfield and will help address 13 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 SPRINGFIELD, MB
PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n WGI Westman Group Inc. www.westmangroup.com WGI Westman Group Inc. is one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel products. Headquartered in the RM of Springfield, WGI Westman Group Inc. employs over 2,000 people at 80 facilities across Canada and the USA. WGI includes Artmec, Artspan, Behlen Indsutries LP, Meridian Manufacturing, Convey-All, Westman Steel Industries and U-Build Steel Buildings. n Access Credit Union www.accesscu.ca As the largest credit union in Manitoba, Access Credit Union is committed to being innovative and strong in its financials, values, people, and communities. With nearly $13 billion in assets, serving over 203,000 members, and branches spread across Manitoba, Access Credit Union continues to be a financial institution that puts its members first. Visit our website above. community needs for generations to come.“It was a very prudent purchase where we could expand and look at daycare for our citizens. It’s a perfect location for that. We’ve got a large park called Elm Park, and that’ll be attached to the lagoon rehab by way of a pathway,” elaborates Therrien. “So that 39 acres of land is crucial to our expansion.” With a strong financial position and a clear path forward, the Rural Municipality of Springfield is paving the way for a vibrant future.“We are working for generations to come,” summarizes Mayor Therrien. 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
WWW.RMOFSPRINGFIELD.CA WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM AS FEATURED IN Springfield MB
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx