COLUMN: Report from the Legislature – Community wells a pressing issue

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/08/2025 (228 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Since my last report, we have seen a busy start to summer activities here in the Southeast. I have so enjoyed getting to attend many of our wonderful community festivals and celebrations.

It all started July 1 with Canada Day festivities across our region, including in Vita and South Junction. As we waved the red and white flag, sang O Canada, and gathered with family and friends, it was a good reminder of how fortunate we are. Our country is not without its challenges, but there is no doubt in my mind Canada remains the greatest country in the world, and there is no better place to call home than right here in the Southeast.

On July 3 I was in Buffalo Point for the kick off of Buffalo Days activities on the shores of the beautiful Lake of the Woods.

On July 4 and 5 I attended the St. Labre 200, an annual racing event. I always enjoy entering my team into this event that has contributed more than $150,000 to southeast community organizations.

July 12 marked the 65th anniversary of the Gardenton Ukrainian festival. Congratulations on drawing record crowds. July 12 I was also in St. Malo to help celebrate their Junior B Warriors’ back-to-back CRJHL championships.

On July 26 and 27 I was in Woodridge to help celebrate the community’s 125th anniversary.

I have also been actively working throughout the summer to help constituents and communities with their various needs.

One of the most pressing issues facing the southeast is the arbitrary decision by the NDP Government to target and shut down community wells.

Community wells in Woodridge and Piney have already been shut down by the Office of Drinking Water (ODW) who (under the authority of the NDP Minister of Environment) have mandated chlorination systems must be put in place.

This simply does not make sense. These are long established non-potable bulk-fill wells.

Local farmers use these wells, and the addition of chlorination chemicals would negatively mix with those used for agricultural purposes, putting crops and livestock at risk. Moreover, given the current drought conditions faced by many producers, arbitrarily removing these water sources at such a critical time shows a wanton disregard for the needs of farmers and their livelihoods.

During the recent spate of wildfires around the province, this decision by the ODW also prevented the Woodridge well from being used as a resource for fire crews. In the past, this well has critically served local fire crews as they work to fight wildfires. The inability to use it this year hamstrung firefighting efforts in the Southeast.

Progressive Conservatives are working hard for Manitobans and calling on the NDP Minister of the Environment to reverse this decision by the ODW, and on the Minister of Agriculture to step up and stand up for farmers here in the southeast.

As your MLA I will continue to be your common sense voice and stand up for southeast Manitoba.

As usual, I can be reached at info@konradnarth.ca or by stopping by my office at 146 Main St. in Grunthal.