Marchand residents see safer speeds after year-long campaign

After more than a year of pushing for safer traffic speeds through Marchand, the speed limit signs have finally been moved farther out of the community.

The campaign began in July 2025, after Marchand resident Jacquie Loeppky raised concerns about the 100-kilometre-per-hour speed limit through the growing community.

Manitoba Highways staff were seen moving speed limit signs on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. (photo by Jacquie Loeppky)

As of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Loeppky had her first-hand confirmation that the change was happening. She witnessed provincial workers moving the signs to their new locations. The speed limit is now 70 kilometres per hour farther outside the community, giving drivers more time to slow down before entering the residential area.

For Loeppky, seeing the signs moved was the result of a long process involving the community, the RM of La Broquerie Council and Konrad Narth, MLA for La Vérendrye

"I'm very grateful that they're moved. It's been a long, long road, but we did get there," Loeppky said.

She says the reaction from people in Marchand has been very positive. "Even sitting out front, you can see the difference that it makes having it a 70 instead of 100. It's just a world of difference."

Konrad Narth, MLA for La Verendrye

Working together

Narth says the change shows what can happen when residents speak up and work with local and provincial government. "I think this is great, and this just goes to show you what true community advocacy can actually accomplish."

He says Loeppky first brought the issue forward locally, with the RM of La Broquerie supporting the push for increased safety. Narth says he and Loeppky then worked together on the issue, including efforts surrounding Bill 22, which addressed the authority over speed zones.

"It's definitely through the efforts of Jacquie and the community together with the local municipality that has shown the importance of this change," Narth said.

He also took the opportunity to thank Loeppky directly. "Thank you for all your work. It's people like you, Jacquie, that make a better community and the reason why people come to communities like Marchand to call their home."

Related Stories:

• Marchand resident raises alarm over highway speed limit: “Someone’s going to get hurt” 
• One year later: Marchand resident still fighting for safer speed limits near her home
• Community voices heard: Manitoba to move Marchand speed zone signs

A growing community

Laurent Tetrault, Councillor for Ward 2 in the RM of La Broquerie, says the municipality was concerned after learning the speed limit through the area was 100 kilometres per hour.

"I don't think Council was aware that the signs were 100 kilometres per hour, which is terrible in the middle of town," Tetrault said.

The RM quickly passed a resolution and sent a letter to the province supporting the change.

Laurent Tetrault, Councillor of Ward 2 for the RM of La Broquerie

Tetrault says Marchand has changed over the years, with more families, sidewalks and visitors coming into the community. He also pointed to the growing popularity of the Twisted Root campground located nearby, which brings hundreds of people through the area.

"It's a busy community. It's growing, and I think it's a great thing that the province finally listened to the local people and changed the speed zones in Marchand," he said.

Tetrault says the new signs mean greater safety, especially for children and families. "Now we have more security. It's safer for the kids. There are sidewalks here, and there are families, and the speed limit now reflects that."

Jacquie Loeppky, at her home in Marchand.

Jacquie gives credit to the community

While Loeppky started the push, she says the change would not have happened without support from both local and provincial government. "I'm very grateful to both the council of RM of La Broquerie and to Konrad Narth for all the help that they've provided through this endeavour," she said.

That support included guidance, helping determine the next steps and figuring out how to properly move the request forward. "Both levels have been very supportive. They have been on board since I brought it to their attention, and it's been a wonderful process dealing with both levels of government."

After more than a year of meetings, letters, advocacy and waiting, the signs are now in their new positions.

For Loeppky and many in Marchand, the change is a simple one, but one that makes a noticeable difference every time a vehicle approaches the community.

Jacquie Loeppky standing near her driveway with the 70km speed sign in July 2025.

East end of Marchand with the lower speed limit sign of 50km, west of the Marchand sign. (August 2026)

70km speed limit sign has now been moved east of the 210 and 48E interesting, east of Marchand. (Aug 2026) Photo taken facing west.

100km sign has now been placed east of the 210 and 48E intersection, east of Marchand. (Aug 2026) Photo taken facing east.