Province tabs $15.3M for rural water infrastructure

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This article was published 27/03/2023 (943 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Three Winnipeg bedroom communities will be getting up to $15.3 million in water infrastructure upgrades.

On Monday, the provincial government said it would fund projects to increase water storage and treatment in Headingley, West St. Paul, and the Rural Municipality of Macdonald.

“Our government recognizes the importance of water and wastewater treatment projects and how they strengthen the quality of life for local citizens by ensuring safe, secure drinking water, and environmentally sound wastewater management,” Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith said during an announcement at the Headingley wastewater treatment plant, west of Winnipeg.

The province will provide $7.75 million to expand the water treatment plant in Macdonald; $4 million to support the south east reservoir project in Headingley; and $3.6 million for a sewage collection system in West St. Paul, according to a release.

Headingley Mayor Jim Robson said the money will go a long way towards addressing some of the community’s water capacity issues and fire prevention concerns. The reservoir project is expected to contribute to commercial and residential growth in the southeast side of the municipality.

Association of Manitoba Municipalities president Kam Blight said the organization has been advocating for water and sewer infrastructure investments to support economic development.

Population growth is outpacing spending on public infrastructure and local governments have identified more than 275 necessary water infrastructure projects valued at $752 million. He called on the next provincial government to invest in core infrastructure and increase spending through the Manitoba Water Services Board.

A Manitoba general election is scheduled on or before Oct. 3.

The AMM is also seeking a permanent water and wastewater infrastructure program established at the federal and provincial levels.

“Investments such as these are key to building stronger communities and fostering economic opportunities,” Blight said.

Money for the projects comes from the province’s Strategic Municipal Investment Fund. Project management services will be provided by the province’s Water Services Branch.

— Staff