The Rural Municipality of Stanley has announced changes to its Low-Pressure Sewer (LPS) project, confirming that the system will no longer be extended into the villages of Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld. The announcement comes after a majority of residents in the two communities formally objected to the project. Adjusting the project’s scope In a media release dated October 17th, RM Council confirmed that the portion of the project serving Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld has been eliminated. Work will continue on the force mainline and lift stations up to the community limits, as well as along the Morden-Stanley-Winkler corridor. Plans also include PTH 32 and PR 428 conveyance lines to support services for the Boundary Trails Health Centre expansion, odour control measures, and future land development. Interim CAO Luc Lahaie explained that with the revised plan, “Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld will have lift stations to get it ready to be serviced for future developments,” while leaving the villages themselves unserviced for now. Council’s response to community feedback Reeve Ike Friesen said the council’s decision reflects residents’ formal objections: “We heard from a lot of the community, and they had over 500 signatures that they presented to us. If that's the majority, we’d better pull back on this project at this time.” Residents of Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld welcomed the decision. David Hoeppner, Chair of the Reinfeld Committee, said, “We were very happy to see that the RM council has made a decision to honour the objections.” Hoeppner shared some of the villagers’ concerns about affordability and village density, saying, “We live in our villages to enjoy village life, not to experience higher density housing and increased traffic and noise.” He also mentioned that he is always open to conversation should the RM elect to reach out. Related stories: Southman Gleaners expansion builds local community while feeding the world RM of Stanley testing recycled tire material to fix frost boils Future connections The RM is also seeking guidance from the province on extending or exempting the 10-year connection requirement for sewer lines. Lahaie explained: “A letter that was sent to a minister, we haven't received a response yet. And we're asking for either exemption to that regulation or an extension to maybe 20 years.” Lahaie encourages residents who may want to connect in the future to reach out directly at CAO@rmofstanley.ca. Project continues in other areas With these changes, the LPS project will focus on areas outside Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld, including infrastructure supporting the Boundary Trails Health Centre and potential developments along other corridors. Council emphasized that funding remains in place and planning will continue, guided by residents’ feedback. While the RM continues its search for a permanent Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), an interim has been appointed to ensure continuity. Reeve Ike Friesen explained: “We hired Way2Go Consulting, and they had brought forward Luc Lahaie as an interim… so we have hired him until we have found a permanent CAO position.” Friesen added that Lahaie brings substantial municipal experience to the role, noting his previous 13 years of experience in similar roles. The RM hopes to fill the permanent CAO position by the end of November.