There was a lot to celebrate for the RM of Stanley in 2021.

Reeve Morris Olafson says the municipality started a curbside recycling program, which he says is working out very well. He notes they currently have 1,400 large recycling bins in use by residents throughout the RM.

Stanley also signed a five-year agreement with Morden and Winkler in the area of recreation this past year. The agreement will see the RM contribute to both cities for recreation. "It's just a win-win situation with both," said Olafson. "It's much the same as the fire agreements that we have with them, (Winkler & Morden) they work really well."

Olafson says planning for future development in multiple areas of the municipality was part of the agenda as well. He said they have nearly wrapped up the Reinfeld Secondary Plan and are a few months away from completing the Schanzenfeld Secondary Plan. He says the plans are to ensure there is good and proper structure in place in the two communities for when sewer does become available. "And we've just done a drainage study west of Morden as well, which there's demand there as well for new housing," added Olafson.

Additional highlights in 2021 included the announcement of the expansion to Boundary Trails Health Centre, and multiple improvements at the flourishing Stanley Park.

ur area, and we want to maintain it," added Olafson."

Olafson said the RM has committed to contribute $1.00 per capita, per year to STARS.

According to Colleen Mayer, Director of Donor Relations and Development for STARS, since the beginning of 2021, STARS Air Ambulance has flown 66 missions to the Stanley-Winkler-Morden area. These missions are a combination of scene call emergencies and interfacility transfers for patients at facilities like the Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) who need urgent transport to a larger medical centre.

For interfacility transfers, the opening of the E. & I. Krahn Heliport at the BTHC has been a game-changer for residents of the Pembina Valley. This heliport helps ensure smoother and quicker transfers for the critically ill and injured patients STARS serves, especially during the harsh winter months, said Mayer.

Each aspect of the critical care that STARS provides simply wouldn’t be possible without the financial support from Manitobans, noted Mayer. "We extend our sincere thanks to the RM of Stanley for their generous contribution. Support such as this helps ensure that STARS remains ready to serve the next patient who needs us."