Curé seeks another term as De Salaberry Reeve

After 12 years on council, including the last eight as Reeve, Darrel Curé is hoping to continue leading the RM of De Salaberry. Curé has officially put his name forward for another term in the upcoming Manitoba municipal election. Looking back on his time on council, Curé says the RM has made progress in several areas, particularly when it comes to infrastructure and community spaces. 'We've accomplished a bunch. You know, we've done a lot of work in terms of infrastructure. We've also done a lot of work in terms of green spaces, community centres.' That work has included improvements to roads and drainage, along with major investments in green spaces in communities such as St. Malo and Otterburn. Curé says those projects are now making a noticeable difference. Related Stories: Wastewater a major priority If he gets another four years, Curé says wastewater infrastructure will be one of the biggest priorities. Otterburn has been working with the Red-Seine-Rat Wastewater Cooperative on a regional wastewater system, and Curé says he wants to see that project completed and operating. The RM is also working on a new lagoon in the St. Malo area. Curé says the current lagoon capacity is becoming a limitation as the community grows. 'Right now, the community is kind of hindered by growth because of the lagoon capacity. So that's something that we need to work on immediately.' He says completing these infrastructure projects will be important to allow the RM's communities to continue growing. New rec facility nearing completion in St. Malo Another major project is also getting close to the finish line. The former St. Malo Arena is now being referred to as the De Salaberry Recreation Facility, reflecting council's plans to make the building useful throughout the year and for more than just hockey and skating. Curé says the facility is now about 95% complete. 'We're anticipating between you and me that this should be operational around September 15th, you know, plus or minus here.' Once the work is finished, the RM plans to hold some type of grand opening. Curé says the project has taken a lot of time and effort, but he believes it will serve the community for decades to come. 'This facility is looking amazing. A lot of work, a lot of time has gone into it, and it was needed. And I think it's going to be good for another 50 to 75 years.' A facility for the whole RM Although the recreation facility is located in St. Malo, Curé says the goal is for residents throughout the RM of De Salaberry to see it as their own. The RM only has one arena, and council wants to make sure the building is being used as much as possible. 'We want to make this year-round. We want this to be utilized. We want this to feel like home to everybody in the RM.' The facility remains under the responsibility of the RM, with Rat River Recreation and various sports groups also involved in recreation programming. Curé says there is still some work to be done even after the current construction is finished, but this phase has been the biggest undertaking. Another four years? Curé says he would like the opportunity to continue working on the projects already underway and see them through to completion. Whether he faces a challenger for Reeve will be determined as the nomination period unfolds. For now, Curé says he is ready for another campaign. He also has a message for everyone putting their name forward in municipal elections across Manitoba. 'I wish everybody who puts their name in the ring the best of luck. And it is a very rewarding job. However, it is a lot of work, right? That's not something to be taken lightly.' Curé says he wishes all candidates the best as Manitobans prepare to head to the polls this fall. Manitoba Municipal Election day is Wednesday, October 28, 2026.