2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION · WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
8 years
Municipal Service
4 years
Ward 1 Councillor
4 years
Mayor
26 years
Experience
Meet Carla
Carla Devlin and her family have called East St. Paul home for 20 years. A mother of four, entrepreneur, and general contractor, Carla has worked in the construction industry for 26 years.
Eight years of municipal service: four years representing Ward 1 and four years as Mayor.
I bring 26 years of planning and construction experience, board experience and a record of following through.
She works collaboratively with Council in service of the community she calls home.
A RECORD OF WORKING TOGETHER
East St. Paul is home to people with different experiences and ideas. Carla wants to hear what matters to you as the community looks ahead.
Road Work & Rehabilitation
$6,146,315.13 in road work and rehabilitation over the past four years, alongside asset management planning.
Safer Streets & Pathways
pedestrian crossing lights, 30 km/h school zones, the Pritchard Farm Road sidewalk and an open Raleigh underpass.
Community Safety
delivered on my 2022 CSO program promise with Council’s support and municipal staff, plus a free Vacation Home Patrol service.
Parks & Recreation
duckweed harvesting, improved access at Swistun Family Heritage Park, our dog park and small-dog extension, and the splash pad.
Provincial Support
$300,000 for the splash pad and $654,628 toward our new fire truck.
PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS
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Advance our wastewater treatment plant
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Build a new fire hall
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Improve roads through asset management planning
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Support recreation facilities
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Bring residents together through community events
I brought back East St. Paul Days and introduced Halloween Park and Walk. Together with our Santa Claus parade, these traditions bring neighbours together and deserve to continue.
Questions I’m Hearing at the Door
My Record, Our Priorities and the Decisions Ahead
Carla Devlin - Mayoral Candidate for East St Paul
I am seeking re-election because important work remains, and I want to see it through. My priorities are to advance our wastewater treatment plant, build a new fire hall, improve our roads through implementing asset management planning, support recreation facilities and continue bringing our community together through events. These priorities require experienced leadership and consistent follow-through.
With all four councillor seats changing, I believe continuity in the Mayor’s role is especially important. I bring eight years of municipal knowledge, established working relationships and an understanding of the decisions ahead. I want to help our incoming Council build on that foundation and keep essential projects moving forward.
East St. Paul has been my home since 2005, and it is where I raised my four children. I care deeply about this community. I am asking for another term to continue serving residents, protecting taxpayer dollars and turning our plans into lasting improvements.Development has become one of the most talked-about election issues. It deserves thoughtful discussion. However, during this four-year term, the RM considered two major development applications. Those applications are only one part of the work Council does on your behalf.
Our municipality is responsible for roads, snow clearing, drainage, drinking water, wastewater treatment, garbage and recycling, fire protection, community safety, animal control, parks, trails and recreation facilities. Council oversees budgets, municipal assets, infrastructure planning and by-laws, while working with other governments and responding to residents’ concerns.
These responsibilities affect every household. They require careful financial decisions, consistent attention and an understanding of our community’s immediate needs and long-term future.Alongside eight years of municipal service, I bring 26 years of experience in planning and construction, as well as board experience in regional planning, community economic development and business organizations. That background helps me assess proposals, understand infrastructure requirements, evaluate costs and work through complex decisions.
My construction experience also brings practical value to municipal projects. I understand how to review estimates, assess proposed extras and ask informed questions about scope, pricing and timelines. Working with staff and contractors, I use that experience to help identify potential issues early, reduce the risk of unnecessary cost overruns and ensure additional charges are justified. This supports fair working relationships and careful stewardship of residents’ tax dollars.
Development
Residents deserve a clear explanation of why I supported the two major development proposals.
Council approved the Fahr Lands development, which I supported because the proposed lot sizes fit within our existing municipal by-law framework and because it offered needed housing options.
Its proposed first phase includes a gated, 55-plus community of 138 homes, similar in concept to Country Villas. Residents have told us they want opportunities to downsize and remain in East St. Paul, close to their families, friends and familiar surroundings.We need to take those requests seriously. Providing more manageable housing options allows residents to remain in the community they helped build.
These options take years to deliver. Approving a proposal today does not mean an entire neighbourhood appears tomorrow. Major developments can be built in phases over 15 to 30 years, depending on infrastructure, approvals and market conditions. Waiting until the need becomes urgent risks delivering housing too late for the residents asking for it today.
East St. Paul is approximately 16 square miles, with a limited supply of remaining developable land. We need to plan carefully for measured growth and make thoughtful use of that land while protecting the qualities residents value.The Meadows was the other major proposal, returning for a third attempt at approval. Councillor Duval and I supported it; Council rejected it in a three-to-two vote.
The Meadows falls under the RRPD Development Plan designation of general development which allows certain types of development to be constructed on these lands.
At The Meadows public hearing, 19 people spoke in opposition, in a municipality of nearly 10,000 residents. Their concerns deserved careful consideration. At the same time, hearing participation alone does not establish the views of the entire community. Council’s responsibility was to weigh those concerns alongside the guidelines for development in this area, planning requirements, infrastructure needs and the long-term interests of East St. Paul.
I supported the proposal because I believed it adhered to the current Development Plan designation, offered an opportunity to address future housing needs and contribute substantially toward essential infrastructure. The proposed lot sizes either reflected categories already found within our municipal by-laws or followed the development designation. The applicant also indicated a willingness to reduce the proposed height of a multifamily building to address the municipality’s concern.
The proposal envisioned a walkable community with approximately 23 acres of green space, recreation opportunities, provision for school sites and a village centre combining residential space above smaller commercial businesses. It offered housing choices and amenities intended to support residents through different stages of life.
Another significant consideration was the applicant’s proposed upfront contribution, in the range of $40 million, through servicing payments and development fees toward wastewater infrastructure. Our proposed wastewater treatment plant currently carries a Class D preliminary cost estimate of approximately $106 million. A contribution of that size would help offset the cost of this essential infrastructure and reduce the financial pressure on existing residents. The precise terms would have required a binding agreement, but the opportunity was important to consider.The Meadows application will likely proceed to a Municipal Board appeal. My concern is that refusing a proposal without sound reasons grounded in our planning rules can put the RM in a weaker position at the appeal. If the Board overturns Council’s decision, important decisions about approval and conditions may be made through that process rather than resolved locally through negotiations. Having the application go to the Municipal Board as is the probable next step means that the decision making
is taken out of the hands of the Mayor and Council.
Defending this refusal will require municipal resources, including legal expenses and staff time, at a cost to ratepayers. If the previous appeal rules apply and the Municipal Board finds that the RM unreasonably delayed the application, it may also order the RM to pay some or all of the applicant’s reasonable appeal costs. Any separate lawsuit seeking compensation for lost time or revenue would have to establish its own legal grounds. These financial risks are another reason Council’s decisions must be carefully considered and supported by sound planning reasons.Council must assess applications fairly under the applicable legislation, development plans and by-laws. Lot sizes matter, but so do servicing, drainage, traffic, land suitability and other planning requirements.
My position is that applications satisfying the applicable requirements should have a fair path forward, with appropriate conditions to protect the community. Decisions must be supported by sound planning reasons that can withstand scrutiny.
Landowners initiate applications for subdivisions, variances and rezoning. Council does not control when those applications arrive. Our responsibility is to hear residents, examine the proposal and make an informed, defensible decision through the required public process.Infrastructure is central to these decisions.
Our existing wastewater treatment plant was built in 1970 and has served East St. Paul through to 2026. We now need to plan for its replacement: infrastructure capable of serving existing residents and supporting our community for another 50 to 70 years. This is a long-term investment in reliable service, environmental protection and our municipality’s future.
The need to renew that infrastructure exists independently of any one development proposal. Developers can also make meaningful contributions toward the infrastructure their projects require, helping reduce the financial pressure on existing residents.
Pritchard Farm Properties provides a local example of developer-supported wastewater infrastructure through a sequencing batch reactor, or SBR. Development contributions have an important place in municipal infrastructure planning.For the past eight years, we have pursued provincial and federal infrastructure funding every year, and we will continue that work. But grant money is competitive. Infrastructure funding tied to new housing favours communities that are approving development and have credible plans to service it. We need shovel-ready projects - projects with the planning, design and approvals in place so construction can proceed when funding becomes available.
If East St. Paul wants to compete for those dollars, we must demonstrate that we are prepared to move well-planned projects forward. That means connecting responsible development with infrastructure planning and ensuring developers contribute their fair share.Under the planning timeline discussed for a new plant, construction beginning in 2027 could lead to completion around 2031 or 2032, subject to funding, approvals and construction. Development dependent on that capacity would follow in phases. A 15-to-30-year buildout could extend into the 2040s, 2050s or early 2060s.
These are decisions about how our community evolves over decades.Many of the neighbourhoods we value today began as development proposals, and many faced opposition. We all live in homes and neighbourhoods made possible by development. Our task is to ensure future development is thoughtfully planned, properly serviced and responsive to community needs.
My record extends well beyond development.
Over the past four years, we have completed $6,146,315.13 in road work and rehabilitation across East St. Paul. We have also worked to strengthen our asset management planning so future maintenance and replacement decisions reflect infrastructure conditions, community needs and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.I understand residents’ frustration with the condition of Birds Hill Road, Provincial Road 202. Every year, we advocate to the Province for full reconstruction, yet the work delivered has continued to be repairs. This road is under provincial jurisdiction, so responsibility for its maintenance and reconstruction rests with the Province, rather than the RM. We will continue pressing for a lasting solution and ensuring residents’ concerns are heard.
We have also installed solar-powered pedestrian crossing lights throughout the RM, including in front of Birds Hill School. All four of my children attended that school, and I remember how busy drop-off and pick-up times could be. Having a proper pathway connecting to the Marconi Trail, together with a pedestrian crossing light, gives families a safer, clearer route to and from school.
I also initiated 30 km/h school zones within the RM, with Council’s support in moving this safety measure forward. These are practical improvements that put children’s safety first and help make our streets safer for students, families and everyone travelling through our school areas.When I first campaigned in 2018, walking Pritchard Farm Road made the need for a safer pedestrian route clear. I continued advocating for the sidewalk for seven years. Seeing that work move forward reflects the persistence municipal improvements often require.
In Ward 1, trails were cleaned up and fresh gravel placed. Raleigh Street lighting and park rehabilitation have also been part of the work to improve the spaces residents use every day.
The Marconi Trail also has an extensive design plan that includes benches, additional trees and gathering areas, creating more opportunities for residents to rest, connect and enjoy the trail. I hope this initiative continues to move forward regardless of changes to Council, building on the work already undertaken.When I ran for Council in 2018, the condition of our ponds and the buildup of duckweed were among my concerns. For eight years, I advocated for harvesting as a practical approach to managing that growth. Building support took persistence, and I am pleased that harvesting is now underway and our ponds are looking much better.
Harvesting removes excess plant material from the water rather than allowing it to die and decompose in the ponds. It also creates an opportunity to explore beneficial uses for the collected material, such as compost or fertilizer, where appropriate. Our ponds are living ecosystems, and their management needs to work with those natural processes.
I am encouraged by the progress we are seeing and excited about the future of East St. Paul’s ponds. This is another example of listening to residents, staying committed to an issue and following through on a practical improvement.At Swistun Family Heritage Park, residents told me they had never been able to get down into the park because access was too difficult. The serpentine pathway helped address that barrier and made this beautiful public space accessible to more residents.
With Council’s support, I worked to get the Raleigh underpass opened. It is open, providing an important connection for our residents. Moving that issue forward required persistent advocacy and discussions with Winnipeg and the Province.
Across my time on Council and as Mayor, I have supported our dog park and its small-dog extension and the splash pad. These investments bring neighbours together and create opportunities for families to enjoy their community.
We have also introduced a Santa Claus parade, with Council joining Santa as he travels through our community to bring holiday cheer to residents and families. Like Halloween Park and Walk and East St. Paul Days, it gives neighbours something to look forward to and creates shared memories that strengthen our community. I hope the incoming Council continues these traditions and recognizes the important role they play in bringing East St. Paul together.East St. Paul also needs to improve its recreation facilities, including a warm indoor recreation space and upgrades to our existing facilities. Council has established a committee to help move this work forward and develop fundraising opportunities. The Meadows proposal also offered recreation opportunities, reinforcing the importance of seeking appropriate developer contributions toward amenities that serve our community.
These projects require planning, funding and careful consideration of priorities. Wastewater infrastructure remains our most urgent infrastructure priority, but we can continue advancing recreation plans and bringing residents and businesses together to support them.
Our existing arena is a powerful example of what community commitment can achieve. Residents worked their regular jobs during the day and then gave their evenings to help build the facility. I have tremendous respect for that effort and the legacy they created for generations of East St. Paul families.
We have that same spirit today, along with talented residents, skilled tradespeople and local businesses who can contribute ideas, expertise and support. By working together and fundraising, we can help make a new recreation facility possible. I hope the committee builds on that tradition and makes meaningful progress during the next term.Bringing back East St. Paul Days was especially meaningful to me. While I was campaigning in 2022, my neighbour, Elissa Cabral, was working on a school project and told me about the event, which had taken place before I moved into the community. She asked if I would bring it back. Within my first year as your Mayor, I followed through, with Council’s support and the work of municipal staff and community volunteers to restore this special tradition.
My favourite part is the parade - seeing residents come out, enjoying the wonderful floats and watching our community come together. Events like these create connections, strengthen our sense of belonging and give families memories to share. I am proud to have brought East St. Paul Days back, and regardless of the election outcome, I hope the celebration and its parade continue to grow for many years to come.Our relationships with the provincial government continue to be strong. Provincial support has included a $300,000 grant for our splash pad and $654,628.00 toward our new fire truck - meaningful investments in recreation and emergency services.
In 2022, I promised to establish a Community Safety Officer (CSO) program, and with Council’s support and the work of municipal staff, I delivered on that commitment. I also advocated for improvements to the program, including stronger safety measures for our officers and a portion of ticket revenue returning to the RM to support municipal services.
We are proud of our program and the officers who bring many years of policing experience to their roles. Through visible patrols, by-law enforcement and collaboration with the RCMP and community partners, they provide an important local presence and help address residents’ safety concerns. The program also offers a free Vacation Home Patrol service, providing exterior checks of eligible residents’ properties while they are away.Animal control through Rural Animal Management Services, or RAMS, provides dedicated support for dog-related concerns and enforcement of our dog by-law.
I also helped form a committee to advance planning for a new fire hall, recognizing the importance of giving our firefighters the facilities and resources they need.
In 2019, I introduced East St. Paul’s Halloween Park and Walk initiative, restricting vehicle traffic in Pritchard Farm Properties for two hours so trick-or-treaters could enjoy safer streets. With limited sidewalks, children were sharing roadways with an abundance of vehicles in the dark, sometimes in rain and poor weather. Watching that happen had always concerned me, and I wanted to take practical action.
I have contributed my own resources, with my family, close friends and community members volunteering their time to help make the evening possible. Their support has helped create a tradition centred on children’s safety and community spirit.
The initiative faced criticism in its first year. I listened to those concerns, but remained firm in my belief that giving children two hours to trick-or-treat without sharing the road with vehicle traffic was worth doing. Leadership sometimes means standing behind a decision through disagreement, while remaining respectful and clear about its purpose. For me, our children’s safety was the priority.
I am pleased to see other neighbourhoods within East St. Paul embracing this initiative, and I hope the incoming Council continues to support and build on this tradition.
municipality
Representing East St. Paul also means communicating our priorities, explaining decisions and advocating for our community in discussions with other governments. I take those responsibilities seriously and value the working relationships that help move municipal priorities forward.
While many of these initiatives began with concerns I heard from residents or commitments I made while campaigning, moving them forward required teamwork. I am grateful to my fellow councillors for their support, their ideas and their willingness to help advance one another’s initiatives. Together with our dedicated municipal staff, community partners and volunteers, we achieved meaningful
improvements for East St. Paul.
We did not agree on every decision, but I valued the contributions each councillor brought to the table. Our accomplishments reflect that shared effort, and I want to continue that spirit of cooperation with the incoming Council.
In one short four-year term, this Council has achieved so many good things for our community. If I continued listing them all, this document would become a book.This election carries particular importance because all four councillor seats will have new representatives. Fresh perspectives are valuable, but understanding municipal budgets, legislation, infrastructure files and the history behind decisions takes time. Retaining experienced leadership in the Mayor’s role would help support the incoming Council and maintain momentum on essential work.
I am concerned that some candidates now seeking election in our wards have previously circulated petitions and shared information online and at residents’ doors that I believe misrepresented municipal proposals and decisions. Residents deserve accurate information, particularly from those asking to represent them.
That concern extends beyond campaigning. Every representative at the council table has a responsibility to examine evidence, understand the applicable rules and distinguish verified facts from assumptions. A willingness to correct inaccurate information is an essential part of accountability and public service.I did not purchase the property, nor do I have any ownership interest or involvement in any company, partnership or group that purchased the property. That claim is false and should not be repeated as fact.
Throughout my two terms, I have seen how misinformation can distract from municipal work and undermine confidence in local government. Not everything written on Facebook or shared at the door is accurate, and repetition does not make a claim true. I encourage residents to ask questions, check sources and seek clarification.
Accountability is essential. Residents deserve answers and have every right to question their elected representatives. Meaningful accountability requires accurate information, fair scrutiny and a willingness to correct the record. I welcome respectful disagreement and honest discussion.That same respect must continue at the council table. I am grateful to the councillors I have worked alongside during my term as Mayor. I have valued their contributions, the support we offered one another and the work we achieved together. Even when we disagreed, I appreciated our ability to debate respectfully and continue working together for East St. Paul.
When we leave the council chamber, we remain colleagues with a shared responsibility to serve our community. A united Council does not require unanimous votes. It requires professionalism, mutual respect and a willingness to work together after a decision is made. That is the standard I will continue to uphold and encourage as we welcome new councillors.As you make your voting decision, I encourage you to consider each candidate’s experience, background and readiness to carry the responsibilities of municipal office.
A promise to simply “say no to development” does not explain how someone will govern. Landowners have the right to bring applications forward, and residents have the right to be heard. Council must consider both fairly within the rules that guide municipal decisions.
Keeping a strong municipal voice at the table means engaging with landowners and developers, negotiating appropriate infrastructure contributions and establishing conditions that protect our community. Those discussions help ensure East St. Paul’s interests are represented.
Refusing an application without defensible planning reasons can expose the RM to appeals, substantial legal expenses and delays - all at a cost to ratepayers. Campaign promises must be weighed against the legal and financial responsibilities that come with carrying them out.
With a changing council table and major infrastructure decisions ahead, we need representatives prepared to understand their responsibilities, work constructively and make informed decisions from the beginning.
I bring eight years of municipal experience, 26 years in planning and construction, board experience, established working relationships and a record of following through. I am ready to support our incoming Council, protect our community’s interests and keep essential work moving forward.
I ask for your vote for Mayor of East St. Paul - with experience, integrity and a clear commitment to our community’s future.