The Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) is moving to Steinbach. 

Board chair Cornie Goertzen says they have received a green light from the province to proceed with the purchase of 154 Friesen Avenue in Steinbach to serve as their new main office location. Goertzen notes 15 of the 16 municipality members have responded with an approval and they are expecting the last response on April 11 to also be positive. The conservation district required approval from the province and its 16 municipality members due to their request in borrowing funds in excess of $50,000 for the purchase of the property.

The Seine-Rat River Conservation District currently occupies a 1,353 square foot space in the La Broquerie municipal office which houses one full-time, one part-time, and one intern staff with monthly use of the board room and off-site cold storage space. The rental for these amenities is $1,770/month. The conservation district was informed they were losing their occupancy in the municipal building due to the continued growth of the RM and its number of staff.

In October of last year, the SRRCD started exploring alternative options in La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, Mitchell, and Steinbach.

"We looked for a few places in La Broquerie which we though could possible suit our case," notes Goertzen. "But one was not large enough and they said they would build, but then it would cost us more then it's costing us now. We were almost at our limit and the province didn't want to spend more money on renting then we were spending. The other place we looked at, the people weren't ready to move out."

The district looked at 11 rental properties, six purchase properties, and ten serviced lots to build on in total. Their wishlist included a building space of at least 1,353 square feet, location near the centre of the district, and good visibility to allow for walk-in traffic.

The options were narrowed down to the top four: a 1,100 square foot rental space in Ste. Anne for $1,725/month, a 2,330 square foot rental space in Mitchell for $2,560/month, a 1,650 square foot rental space in Steinbach for $2,517/month, or the 1,328 square foot house on 154 Friesen Ave. for $1,700/month ($275,000 purchase price with a $68,750 downpayment).

"We said, this place, where this house is located, is ideal for us. In regards to showcasing what we have, location makes a big difference for our organization. We're right next to Brandt Street, which is good for us. It suits our need very well if we can just not spend an arm and a leg to renovate it."

Goertzen says they will have to spend $17,000 in renovations to bring the building up to federal government standards. He notes this will include building a wheelchair accessible ramp to the front door and making the washroom wheelchair accessible.

"There is a double car garage which we will use as a workshop," adds Goertzen. "We have quite a bit of space in the back and to the one side of the property where we can do some demonstrations if schools want to come in. So there are more advantages than disadvantages to owning our own property."

He notes they will continue to have their field office in Vita where they have one employee and a rent-free space to operate.

The SRRCD will take possession of the house on Friesen on April 20. Goertzen adds he hopes this building will be a permanent location for the district.

Read More:
Seine Rat River Conservation District Looking To Move