When you look back at the year that was, you'll see challenges and triumphs. The same is true in the RM of Ste. Anne, as they look over all the things that have happened in 2016. 

RM of Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergmann

Reeve Art Bergmann says the spring of 2016 came in a hurry, with warm wind and rain. In turn, causing the provincial and municipal drainage infrastructure to be strained many times, which he notes is a very uncomfortable place to be. "It sobered us up very quickly from winter doldrums to wow, look at all this water. How do we manage it."

According to Bergmann, next year's road budget will need to increase, because, for two years in a row, road conditions were poor going into winter. He says poor roads going into winter, means poor roads in spring.

As far as agriculture is concerned, Bergmann says because of the wet conditions, farmers were challenged when trying to get dry hay into bail shelters. He notes some farmers still have corn in their fields. "Many farmers don't remember what it was like to have such a wet situation, and there are many fields that don't have a seed bed ready for next year."

On a positive note, Bergmann says the RM had opportunities to cooperate regionally with their neighbours. They were able to partner with the Town of Ste. Anne with some recreational projects, and together they added lights and crossing arms at the Seine Road railway crossing to make it safer.

Bergmann adds, along with the RM of Tache, they were able to upgrade a section of Road 30 E east of Landmark. He adds, there are two provincial bridges over the Seine River Diversion in the RM that are currently closed. "We are hoping, and working with the Province that these bridges are going to be returned to public use at an early convenience."

Another area of cooperation was with the Seine Rat River Conservation District. Bergmann says not only are they a bright light as they work at water retention, they look at what's best for the region when it comes to drain maintenance, not just one municipality at a time.