The Reeve for the RM of Ste Anne says there's a lot of upsides when it comes to the recent street paving project in the town of Richer.  

Reeve Art Bergmann

Art Bergmann notes paving occurred in the area east and south of the Tempo gas station between Highway 1 and Dawson Road. He notes the project came at a cost of just over $400,000. $100,000 was saved up by the LUD of Richer, The RM matched that with non-tax payer dollars, but with money from various grants which had come the municipality's way. Bergmann says the balance is going to be raised over the next five years from the LUD budget. He adds the LUD's intentions are not to raise taxes but to work within the mill rate of their current budget.   

"There's a number of residential streets in there that have been a thorn in the side of the municipality and the LUD. The LUD has been squirreling away money for this project and we helped them with taking out a little bit of grant money that had come our way and they’ve taken a loan out for the balance. Paving is done and it’s looking pretty classy.”

Bergmann says paving began in the last few days of September and was completed in about ten days. He notes this project makes the town of Richer a more attractive place for people to live in and move to.

"It’s just very pleasant for the residents in that corner of the community. It’s the first paving off of Dawson Road. It may be a sign of things to come, certainly, it’s nice to keep vehicles cleaner, it’s nice for kids on bicycles and families with strollers to go for walks. There’s a lot of upsides here."

Bergmann adds this is a great thing for the community and gives Richer many opportunities to grow in the future.