The City of Selkirk will host an infrastructure open house on June 11, from 3pm to 7pm at Memorial Hall.
The public is encouraged to attend to learn about what infrastructure projects will occur this year and other long-term initiatives the city has planned.
Chief Administrative Officer Duane Nicol says when people come out to the open house they can have input into how the project rolls out.
“It’s important for us that citizens know what’s happening so we can be proactive. When we’re doing our planning, the lived experience of people on those streets has informed the way we do the project so it minimizes negative consequences,” Nicol said.
“If we understand how people use their street better, then we can have less interruptions and plan around things. Someone will tell us, ‘Oh, every year we have a block party at this time,’ or whatever the case may be, we might be able to schedule the construction to minimize impact.
“If they attend the open house, there’s still opportunity to help shape and inform the project as we move forward.”
1.6 million invested into the right projects at the right time
The city will invest $1.6 million into infrastructure repair and maintenance in 2026. Dan McDermid, the city’s Director of Operations, says adhering to the city’s Capital Asset Management Strategy has the city investing in the right projects at the right time.
“We have our asset registry that tells us what condition every street, every pipe, every sidewalk is in and decisions on what work is done each year is determined by that,” McDermid said.
“We’re doing a lot of asphalt resurfacings and overlays this year, and all of these are aligned with the conditions recorded in the registry.”
Asphalt, curb replacement and sidewalk renewal
An asphalt overlay, curb replacement, and sidewalk renewal will be done on the 600 block of McLean Avenue, while an asphalt replacement will be completed on Morrison Avenue between Montgomery and Eveline.
Replacement of curbs and asphalt surface as well as sidewalk renewal will take place on the 600 block of Vaughan Avenue, the 700 block of McLean Avenue and the 400 block of Queen Avenue.
The existing sidewalk in the 300 block of Greenwood will also be replaced.
Watermain renewal on Main
Watermain renewal on three blocks of Main Street between Sinclair and Sutherland and Toronto and Rosser will take place, with the city replacing a cast iron pipe that was put in in 1914. Sections along Main have been upsized over the years and with this summer’s work, there will be new pipe from Rosser to Sinclair.
“We’re upsizing the pipe there, it’s a four-inch diameter and we’re upsizing to a 10-inch, PVC pipe,” McDermid said.
“It’s a big thing. We need higher fire flows there because of the bigger buildings and buildings that are closer together. The need for the upgrade was identified in our Utility Masterplan.”
CAO Duane Nicol says dollars above the $1.6 million are being invested in future works today.
“Part of the money that we normally spend is being invested in good, long-term planning, the design work for future planning is taking place now,” Nicol said.
Green infrastructure
Trees are infrastructure, and unlike pipes and pavement, they grow in value and function over time, delivering increasing benefits for generations. Since 2021, the city has planted approximately 1,000 trees, and in 2026 alone will plant another thousand, increasing the city’s boulevard tree population by 28%.
The project represents an investment of $1.6 million into Selkirk’s tree canopy, but 94% is being funded through grants. Because of the grants received, Selkirk is making these enhancements to the canopy at just six cents on the dollar.
Mihali Schindle, the city’s Manager of Climate Action & Environmental Services, says trees play many roles in the city.
“Trees play a vital role in supporting a healthy environment by capturing and storing carbon and helping to mitigate climate change over the long term by sequestering and storing carbon. Their shade and evapotranspiration cool surrounding areas, lowering urban temperatures and reduce urban heat‑island effect. Trees also improve air quality by filtering pollutants and particulate matter, protect soil and waterways by reducing erosion and filtering water, and provide essential habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Vitally, trees consume rainwater, and play an important role in managing the city’s land-drainage system. When strategically planted and maintained, trees strengthen local ecosystems and increase overall environmental resilience,” Schindle said.
“Beyond environmental value, trees contribute significantly to community well‑being and local economies. Tree‑lined streets and green spaces enhance neighbourhood beauty, encourage walking and outdoor activity, and support physical and mental health. Shade from trees can lower energy costs by reducing the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings, while well‑maintained urban forests can increase property values and attract investment. Tree‑planting initiatives also create opportunities for community involvement, education, and stewardship, fostering a sense of pride and shared responsibility.”
See more on the benefits of trees
Join us at the open house
The open house is open to everyone, but the city is encouraging anyone directly impacted by the infrastructure improvements to attend on June 11.
Anyone wishing to stay on top of the annual projects can sign up for infrastructure updates at MySelkirk.ca/Infrastructure.
