The start of the new year means the annexation involving Steinbach and Hanover is now in effect. In 2017, the province approved a scaled back version of the annexation proposal, and that annexation took effect January 1st. Steinbach is now responsible for an additional 2,800 acres, largely to the northwest of the city.

(Green space in New Bothwell started to take shape before winter set in.)Hanover Reeve Stan Toews says also in 2018, the municipality will take a closer look at drainage, as identified at last year's strategic planning session. The municipality says the program will be based on a coordinated approach to solving drainage issues starting at the bottom and working back to the high ground.

Also this year, Toews says work should be completed on New Bothwell's green space. A play structure and community space are being created outside the community centre. Toews notes they received a Community Places grant with the condition the work needed to be completed by the end of March. However, the early arrival of winter meant work was halted and Toews says they have now requested an extension on that deadline.

"They may have to spend a little extra money and hoard stuff in, then it would be possible," notes Toews. "But it makes it more difficult."

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