Municipality of Rhineland reeve, Don Wiebe, used his recent 2022 State of the Community address to reflect on the lessons learned from last year's drought.

In assessing the local need for potable water, Wiebe said it became clear that the agriculture sector needs quite a bit of it, with peak use intersecting with peak consumer consumption in the spring and summer.

"How do we find capacity? That's the big question," he explained, noting recently expanded reservoirs at GNS East and in Plum Coulee will help offer some relief moving forward. However, Wiebe said the solution lays with a larger Pembina Valley Water Co-op (PVWC) treatment plant at Letellier. "If we look at industrial growth, it comes back to the same thing. We need more capacity. There's lots of water in the (Red) River normally, and we need to expand (the production of potable water)."

As a result, the Municipality is supporting advocacy efforts by the PVWC to build that larger plant.

As well, Wiebe presented one of the initiatives being included in the Municipality's 2022/23 operating budget.

Money is being set aside to join the Pembina Valley Watershed District.

"We're very excited about that because it gives our ag producers access to some of the programs that are in the watershed. Creating your own storage space for water is one example, or creating wetlands is another example if that applies," said Wiebe.

For residents, it's access to conservation programming and environmental education.

The Municipality is also dedicating funds to create a shelterbelt program.

Overall, Wiebe expressed optimism for the future as he spoke to local business leaders at the Altona & District Chamber's annual general meeting last week.

"We already have a good run at some building permits, so the prospects are encouraging. We are a little bit ahead of last year," he said. "I think there's a bit of optimism in the ag sector if they can get the supplies they need...and I'm very excited, right across the region, there is a keen interest in some value-added projects."

Wiebe hopes to provide further information on those value-added projects later in the year.