Spring is arriving in Reynolds, and with warmer days and melting underway, roads can change quickly. Please continue to use caution while travelling, especially during freeze and thaw conditions.
We’d like to wish a Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates. As a reminder, the municipal office will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 5 in recognition of the holiday.
This month’s newsletter is full of information on a variety of topics, from community-building initiatives like the Reynolds Community Fund and the upcoming Age-Friendly Manitoba engagement sessions, to items like well water testing and health resources, the upcoming Canada Census and the pending launch of a new municipal website, along with community events and reminders.
Reynolds Joins Age-Friendly Manitoba, Residents Invited to Share Ideas on April 28
The RM of Reynolds has officially joined Age-Friendly Manitoba, and we are excited to invite residents to take part in this new community initiative.
Age-friendly work focuses on what helps people live well as they age, in the community they want to live in. An age-friendly community is one where older persons can live in security, feel safe, enjoy good health, and continue to participate in community life while staying active and socially involved.
This first round of engagement is a chance to share what is working well in Reynolds, and what barriers residents experience as they try to age actively. This invite is for all residents with a focus on growing older and living where you want to live.
Topics we will talk about
We will talk about outdoor space and buildings, transportation, housing, respect and social inclusion, social participation, communication and information, civic participation and employment, and community support and health services.
Did you know? (2021 Census highlights)
Reynolds has an aging population. In 2021, the RM’s population was 1,344 and the median age was 48.4. Residents aged 65 and older made up 22% of the population, and 27% of households were one-person households. Housing is also largely single detached (91.4%). These trends are part of why this initiative matters, and why it is important to hear directly from residents about what is working well and what needs to improve.
Meeting details
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Times and places:
• 10:00 a.m. Ste. Rita Community Centre
• 1:30 p.m. Hadashville Recreation Centre
• 6:00 p.m. Rennie Community Centre
Refreshments will be served.
To learn more or to RSVP by Friday, April 23, contact Cyndie Mitchell, Economic Development Officer. Email: edo@rmofreynolds.com | Phone: 204-426-5305
More information about Age Friendly Manitoba: https://agefriendlymanitoba.com/
If you cannot attend on April 28, you will still have opportunities to participate as the process continues through surveys and focus group sessions. Watch for more details on the RM of Reynolds website www.rmofreynolds.com
Reynolds Community Fund is Launching, and we are
Recruiting Volunteers
The RM of Reynolds is proud to announce the launch of the Reynolds Community Fund (RCF). This is a new, long-term community-building tool designed to strengthen local projects and priorities in a sustainable way.
What a Community Fund Is
A community fund works like a legacy account for Reynolds. Donations are held and invested as an endowment, and a portion of the fund’s earnings is granted back into the community each year. Over time, as the fund grows, the available granting grows too.
The Reynolds Community Fund is held at the Steinbach Community Foundation. The Foundation holds and invests the fund, provides charitable administration, and supports the grant payout process. Locally, Reynolds will have a volunteer committee that helps guide how the fund is promoted, how it grows, and how grants are directed back into our community.
Why this is a Big Step for Reynolds
The RCF creates a consistent way for residents, families, businesses, and friends of Reynolds to give back. It also supports long-term community strength by:
- Creating a reliable annual granting program for local projects
- Building a permanent legacy fund that grows over time
- Encouraging philanthropy and local leadership
- Helping local groups bring forward projects that improve quality of life across the RM
This is the start of something we can build together over the coming years.
Volunteer Recruitment: help shape the fund from the beginning
Now that the fund is established, the RM is recruiting community members who are interested in serving on the Reynolds Community Fund Committee. Committee members support the local stewardship of the fund, participate in reviewing and approving grants within available annual amounts, and help build the fund through donor outreach and community fundraising.
We are aiming for representation across the RM’s geography, with priority for representation from Molson / Seddons Corner, Ste. Rita, Richer East, Hadashville / Medika / Spruce Siding, Rennie, and Prawda / East Braintree / McMunn. The Committee can also appoint up to three members-at-large to ensure a broad balance of skills and perspectives.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for community members who are fair, thoughtful, and community-minded. A mix of experience is valuable, including:
- community leadership and volunteerism
- financial, legal, or administrative experience
- fundraising, donor acquisition, and event planning
- marketing, communications, and community storytelling
- non-profit governance, strategic planning, or program delivery
- community development and local history or heritage
Committee members should also be comfortable working with confidentiality and conflict-of-interest requirements, especially during grant decisions.
How to express interest
If you are interested in joining the committee, please submit an Expression of Interest to the RM. Your note should describe your relevant skills and experience, why you want to be involved, and what you hope to contribute to the fund’s growth and success.
Email edo@rmofreynolds.com with the subject line “RCF Committee”.
Behind the Council Table: a Free Information Session for Prospective Candidates
Have you ever thought about running for Council, or wondered what councillors actually do? The RM is hosting a free community information session to help residents understand what municipal leadership looks like in practice.
Behind the Council Table is designed for people who care about the future of their community, want to make a difference locally, and are curious about municipal leadership.
Event details:
- Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
- Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Location: Reynolds Municipal Office, 45030 PTH 11, Hadashville
- Facilitated by: GovFox Municipal Consulting, Inc.
The session will cover what councillors and mayors really do, the time commitment and responsibilities, the difference between municipal, provincial, and federal roles, and an overview of the nomination and election process.
In Manitoba, the next general municipal election is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026. If you have ever considered serving, this is a good opportunity to learn what the role involves and decide whether it is the right fit.
Municipal Website Transition: Brief Interruptions Possible
April 10–13
The RM is actively transitioning to a new municipal website this spring. Our contract with the current website provider ends in mid-April, and the RM is using this transition as an opportunity to improve service to residents.
In practical terms, the new website is being designed to make information easier to find and easier to read. This includes a more mobile-friendly layout, clearer page organization, and better access to common municipal information (notices, documents, and updates).
What to expect during the transition
Residents may notice brief interruptions to the current website as the changeover happens.
- Potential downtime window: April 10 to April 13
- Downtime is expected to be minimal
If you are unable to access a document you need during the transition, please contact the RM Office and we will help you obtain the information.
Before You Build or Renovate this Season: What to Check First
As spring arrives, many residents start planning projects. Some are simple repairs. Others involve new decks, additions, garages, pools, or changes to how a property is used.
A good first step is to ask one question before work begins, do I need a building permit. The RM has a simple “permit required” guide (available on the RM website) that can help you quickly sort common projects.
In general, a permit is required for projects such as new homes, additions (including sunrooms and enclosed decks), decks, attached garages or carports, detached accessory buildings (garage, shed, gazebo), demolitions, temporary structures larger than 900 sq. ft., basement development, foundation repairs, wheelchair ramps, wood stoves or fireplaces, home-based businesses, plumbing work (including sump pumps, pits, and backwater valves), electrical work (including air conditioners), and swimming pools, hot tubs, or fish ponds.
Some projects that do not normally require a permit include replacing shingles with the same material, replacing doors or windows with the same size, replacing stucco or siding with the same material, and interior work such as painting, patching, decorating, or installing cabinets and shelves.
Even if a permit is not required, projects still need to comply with the building code and applicable zoning requirements. If you are unsure, the safest approach is to ask before you build. It is much easier to confirm requirements up front than to correct an issue after work is underway.
For questions, contact the RM Office at 204-426-5305.
Private Well Water Testing Days: May and June drop-offs
(pick up bottles in advance)
The Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District will be assisting residents with private well water testing for the presence of E. coli and coliform bacteria.
The provincially subsidized cost of private well water testing is $17.67 (including tax). Each legal location is eligible for one sample per well per year. You must be the owner of the well, and the sample must be your first sample since April 1, 2026.
How it works
Water sample bottles and application forms can be picked up in advance at the RM Office. Water samples must be taken on the same day as drop-off.
Drop off your water sample at the RM Office before 10:00 a.m., along with your completed Chain of Custody form and payment. Only samples with correct payment and completed forms will be accepted.
Payment:
- Cash (rounded to $17.65), or
- Cheque ($17.67)made payable to Duracan Ltd.
Drop-off days:
- Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
Contact SRRWD for more information: 204-326-1030 | administrator@srrwd.ca | www.srrwd.ca
Finding a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
If you are looking for a home clinic or primary care provider (a family doctor or nurse practitioner), Manitoba’s Family Doctor Finder can help connect you with available options.
You can register online at manitoba.ca/familydoctorfinder, or call 1-866-690-8260. Manitoba Relay Services is also available toll-free at 1-800-855-0511.
The 2026 Census is Coming in May
In May, most households will receive a Census invitation letter from Statistics Canada with instructions and a secure access code to complete the 2026 Census questionnaire online. Most households are asked to complete a short form questionnaire; however, a smaller sample of households receives a long form, which includes additional questions that help build a more detailed picture of housing and social and economic conditions.
Why it matters locally
Census data is one of the main tools used to understand what is changing in communities like Reynolds. Accurate local data supports decision-making and planning, and it strengthens the evidence behind funding applications and long-term priorities (for example, housing needs, services for seniors and families, and community infrastructure).
Help and support
If you need help completing the census, or if you have lost your access code, Statistics Canada can assist.
Census Help Line (toll-free): 1-833-314-3652
TTY: 1-833-830-3109
A quick note on scams
Statistics Canada will never ask for your social insurance number, credit card information, or payment. If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, use the Help Line above to verify.
More information (official sources):
- https://www.census.gc.ca/en/about/2026-census
- https://www.census.gc.ca/en/faq/general-information
- https://www.census.gc.ca/en/contact-us
- https://www.census.gc.ca/en/about/fighting-misinformation
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
Community Connections: Upcoming Events
Every Monday (all day): Primary Health Care Clinic - Reynolds Civic Centre. Call 204-348-2291 to book your 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).
Friday, April 3 (6:00 pm): Bingo - Reynolds Community Club (Prawda)
Monday, April 13 (6:30–8:30 pm): Behind the Council Table (Prospective Candidate Information Session) - Reynolds Municipal Office (Hadashville).
Tuesday, April 14 (6:00 pm): Regular Council Meeting - Reynolds Municipal Office (Hadashville).
Wednesday and Thursday, April 14 and 15 (9:00 to 4:00): Experiential Tourism Workshop - Reynolds Civic Centre
Friday, April 17 (6:00 pm): Game Night - Reynolds Community Club (Prawda)
Saturday, April 25 (6:00 pm): Prawda Country Dance for Reynolds Food Bank - Reynolds Community Club
Tuesday, April 28 (10:00 am): Age-Friendly public engagement session - Ste. Rita Friendly Hands Community Centre
Tuesday, April 28 (1:30 pm): Age-Friendly public engagement session - Reynolds Civic Centre
Tuesday, April 28 (6:00 pm): Age-Friendly public engagement session - Rennie Community Club
Tuesday, April 28 (6:00 pm): Regular Council Meeting - Reynolds Municipal Office (Hadashville).
