Manitoba confirms plan to twin Highway 3

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This article was published 13/07/2023 (872 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A functional design study to twin a section of Provincial Trunk Highway 3 is underway, Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk says.

The provincial government intends to widen a 1.6-kilometre section of the highway extending east from Winnipeg city limits. According to the province, reconstruction is necessary owing to increased traffic volumes and to enable development in the region.

“We remain firmly committed to critical infrastructure investments that deliver enhanced safety, ease of travel, and support the movement of goods and services across Manitoba,” Piwniuk said in a news release.

Public and stakeholder consultation on the project is ongoing and is anticipated to wrap in May 2024.

Presentations of design alternatives are scheduled for October, and consultation on preferred design alternatives is scheduled for May 2024.

A refined design of a new diamond interchange at Highway 3 (McGillivray Boulevard) and the Perimeter Highway to replace the existing at-grade signalized intersection is also in progress.

Kraft Paper Mill to test fossil fuel alternatives

Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd. is looking to harvest the power of biomass to produce paper in The Pas.

The Manitoba government and Community Economic Development Fund has provided the company with grants of $90,000 and $75,000, respectively, to investigate how to convert forest biomass to energy at the mill. Kraft is kicking in $130,000

Using alternative fuels would result in lower greenhouse gas emissions and increased long-term viability of the mill, according to the province.

“Productive partnerships like this allow (Canadian Kraft Paper) to move closer toward having more of its energy needs coming from renewable sources such as carbon neutral biomass, which is not only good for the environment but also our northern Manitoba economy,” Canadian Kraft Paper president Ann Evans said in a release.

Natural Resources Minister Greg Nesbitt called the use of forest biomass at the mill a “potential win-win, that is well worth exploring further.”

Rural, northern festivals receive provincial grants

The Manitoba government has awarded $221,000 in grants to 38 festivals scheduled in rural and northern communities this year.

The funding comes from the Community Festivals and Events Program, which provides operating grants to festivals that run for a minimum of two days.

“Manitoba is known to have incredible festivals that truly showcase the unique character and spirit of our province and we encourage all Manitobans to get out and enjoy these celebrations,” Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan said in a release.

Upcoming festivals benefiting from the grant program include the Festival d’été Cheyenne Summer Festival in the Rural Municipality of Ritchot (July 14-15), Summer Winds Family Music Festival in Victoria Beach (July 21-22), and Icelandic Festival of Manitoba in Gimli (Aug. 4-7).

— Staff