The infrastructure improvements will help bring in further development while respecting the parks and natural assets that make our communities special.” INFRASTRUCTURE AND PLANNING Infrastructure development in St. Clements demonstrates how rural municipalities can leverage regional cooperation to maximize limited resources. “One big focus for us is collaboration with other municipalities,” says Joshi. “With St. Andrews on the other side of the river—a sister community that occupies almost the same land mass as us—we are in the process of sharing water resources. We have a large water treatment plant servicing our Lockport area and East Selkirk, and both councils have agreed to develop a program to share that infrastructure to support further development.” This cross-boundary approach extends to other neighboring communities. “With East St. Paul, which is smaller but denser in nature and close to Winnipeg, we’re looking at sharing water and sewer infrastructure. Both councils have passed resolutions to plan and collaborate wherever possible on infrastructure projects,” Joshi notes. The infrastructure strategy aligns with the municipality’s development plans for key settlement areas. St. Clements has implemented tax increment financing (TIF) in areas like East Selkirk, enabling the municipality to reinvest new tax revenue from development back into infrastructure improvements that facilitate further growth. “We are in the midst of doing development in different areas of the municipality where services are provided,” explains Mayor Fiebelkorn.“There are some areas in the municipality where we do not have many services, but where services exist, we’re definitely focusing on bringing more people into our community.” A centerpiece infrastructure project demonstrates the municipality’s community-building focus. “We are constructing a community building at the south end of our municipality that will serve not only our residents but those from surrounding communities,” says the mayor. “It’s been a project in the works for many years, and I’m very happy it will finally be completed. The facility is on a five-acre parcel with a walking trail, lake, playground, and historical information signs showing the history of the area.” HOUSING INITIATIVES TO MEET DIVERSE NEEDS IN A GROWING REGION St. Clements is tackling housing challenges through research-driven approaches that address affordability, diversity, and accessibility, key concerns across Manitoba’s housing market. With Manitoba’s population growing approximately 2% annually, municipalities like St. Clements are under pressure 196 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05
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