Gimli Mayor Kevin Chudd formally presented his opposition to the proposed development at a Clean Environment Commission hearing on April 22, 2026, marking the latest step in a coordinated effort by the Rural Municipality of Gimli to challenge the project. The proposed Crystal Springs/Harbour Colony development in the neighboring Rural Municipality of Armstrong includes large-scale poultry facilities and a wastewater treatment lagoon that have prompted concerns from Gimli officials regarding environmental impacts and potential costs to local taxpayers.
The RM of Gimli Council reviewed and approved the Mayor’s remarks in advance, reflecting a unified municipal stance against the development. The council’s concerns focus on a proposed wastewater lagoon that would discharge into a drain flowing into Willow Creek. This water travels approximately 15 kilometres before reaching Lake Winnipeg, an area already identified as suffering from nutrient pollution and toxic algal blooms. Officials estimate the lagoon could add 27 kilograms of phosphorus to the lake annually, where levels are already managed against an average yearly inflow of about 7,113 tonnes of phosphorus.
Mayor Chudd has also raised concerns about the financial implications for Gimli, stating that the project could leave the municipality on the hook for millions of dollars in infrastructure expenses while providing no local benefits. These arguments were previously presented by the municipality during Clean Environment Commission hearings held in April 2026, where the RM of Gimli submitted formal evidence and a 14-Day Rule Submission to the provincial body.
In response to the opposition, Colleen Mayer, the Chief Administrative Officer for the Rural Municipality of Armstrong, stated that her council attempted to meet with Gimli officials on several occasions. She claims that the RM of Gimli stalled these conversations, noting that assertions regarding a lack of consultation are inaccurate. The provincial government is currently awaiting recommendations from the commission regarding the lagoon proposal, while the separate hearing process for the poultry facilities continues.
