The Mayor of Tache says if everything goes according to plan, construction of their new community centre in Lorette should be complete by next February. 

In October 2024, dignitaries broke ground on the new Tache Community Centre. Once complete, it will include a new arena and skating rink, community library, seniors centre, multipurpose area, and canteen. It is going up immediately east of the existing community complex in Lorette. And, though the sod turning ceremony was held the previous fall, Armand Poirier says it was not until about mid-May that physical work finally started. 

"People were getting pretty skeptical at that point; they were wondering if it was ever going to happen," admits Poirier. "But now what we see is a fully framed building and people working there on a daily basis."

As mentioned, Poirier notes that the target date for opening the new centre is February 2027. He notes that means they will be occupying the old arena in Lorette for the winter of 2026/ 27.

"It's unrealistic to believe that we're going to be flooding in both buildings and that the new community centre will be open on time for the next winter season," he says. 

Poirier says wastewater treatment facility is "absolutely essential"

Poirier says another highlight of 2025 was seeing progress on plans for a new regional wastewater treatment facility. The project was first announced in December 2019. At that time, Hanover, Tache, Ritchot, and Niverville entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to create the RSR Wastewater Cooperative, with hopes of creating a regional wastewater collection system and plant to enhance wastewater management. 

At last check, the estimated cost for the entire project is $235 million. In addition to the original members, they have also added De Salaberry, La Broquerie and Providence University College and Seminary. Poirier says there is a big need for this project, not only at the municipal level, but also provincially and globally. 

"We're outgrowing our lagoons as fast as we develop them because of the development in the area," explains Poirier.  "But also, what we're releasing into the waterways, we have to remove all the toxins from what's being released."

The Tache Mayor says the only way to succeed in doing this is through a wastewater treatment plant, referring to the project as "absolutely essential."

2026 could see more development at Centre of Canada

Also in 2025, Poirier says there has been some interesting development near the Centre of Canada, along the Trans Canada Highway. He notes it was a couple of years ago when the municipality developed a secondary plan for that area. Poirier says an individual has now purchased a piece of property directly north of the intersection of the Trans Canada Highway and Provincial Road 206, next to the park. 

"He's expressed some interest in opening up a service centre," notes Poirier. "We might get to see some business development in that area, and we're ready for it. I think that this is going to be an exciting time."

Poirier says one topic that Council is discussing seriously these days has to do with seniors housing, and the great need that exists throughout the entire municipality. He notes Council wants to develop a strategy to determine the next step in making this happen. Poirier says in recent years, they have already developed a plan for residents wanting to create secondary suites on their property. This plan benefits parents wanting to age in place.

Poirier says one of their accomplishments in 2025 was appointing a new Emergency Coordinator. He notes their previous Emergency Coordinator resigned, and Fire Chief Allan Rau has been appointed to take on that role. Then in early fall, Poirier says they held a mock exercise and notes they are probably now as ready as they have ever been for an emergency. 

Regional committee addressing needs of the southeast

And finally, Poirier says 2025 saw great work happen from the Eastman Regional Municipal Committee. Poirier, who chairs this group, says this past year they made several trips to the Manitoba Legislature to meet with ministers and address issues that are of concern in the southeast. 

"All the issues ranging from highways to health to policing are being addressed," he points out. "I think we're making some headway in bringing some of the major issues that need to be addressed to the government, and we're working very hard together and it's good teamwork."

Related Stories