February 17, 2015
Eastern Municipalities to Benefit from Manitoba Government Investments in Water Services Projects
– – –$12-million Investment in Water Services Infrastructure will benefit Families, Businesses, Job Creation and the Lake Winnipeg Watershed: Minister Caldwell
PINAWA—Residents and business owners in the Local Government District (LGD) of Pinawa and the Rural Municipality of Emerson-Franklin are benefiting from $1.2 million in provincial funding to improve local water supply and waste-water disposal, Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell announced here today.
“These projects demonstrate our commitment to strengthening rural economies and providing job opportunities for people in these communities,” said Minister Caldwell. “These investments not only benefit the environment through waste management, but also support families by ensuring they have access to safe, clean water and support businesses by providing them with infrastructure they can use to grow and create jobs.”
The LGD of Pinawa is receiving more than $1 million to construct a new waste-water lagoon this year that will meet current regulations and accommodate the waste-water flow from the new Tim Horton’s Camp as well as future population growth. Construction of the waste-water lagoon is scheduled for 2015, Minister Caldwell said. The project in the RM of Emerson-Franklin received $150,000 for upgrades to the water plant including new distribution pumps, piping and electrical system to meet current regulations. The project was completed in 2014 and the residents of Dominion City are benefiting from the upgrades, the minister said.
Through the Manitoba Water Services Board, the Manitoba government will share the cost of the projects with the rural communities on a 50-50 basis, said the minister. The cost of projects in the central area total $2.4 million, but Minister Caldwell also noted the overall water services investment from the Manitoba government is much higher.
“I am proud that in this fiscal year, our government has now invested a total of $30.7 million for water services across Manitoba,” he said. “Such a large commitment will take the burden off municipalities and allow them to make investments in other areas.”
“Projects like these benefit the environment, ensure safe drinking water for citizens and promote growth in these communities,” said Doug Dobrowolski, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities. “They also require partnerships in order for municipalities to achieve them, which is why cost-sharing with the provincial government is so important.”
“This vital infrastructure project to expand Pinawa’s waste-water capacity enables a number of current projects to proceed including the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation Camp Whiteshell,” said Mayor Blair Skinner. “It also means our community can proceed with our recently approved 10-year economic plan for new jobs, new families moving to Pinawa and new demand for residential growth. Protection of the environment is one of Pinawa’s top priorities, and we are grateful for the support of the Province of Manitoba to enable us to move forward.”
“The total cost of this project including engineering was over $300,000. The $150,000 funding for this project is greatly appreciated especially for a small utility system,” said Reeve Greg Janzen, RM of Emerson-Franklin. “The rehabilitation of the Dominion City water plant was essential to meet public drinking water requirements and to ensure the long-term sustainability for clean drinking water in the community. This type of partnership with the province helps us to sustain and grow our local communities.”
“It is a priority of this government to ensure Manitoba communities have access to clean water while enhancing the quality of that water,” said Minister Caldwell. “Protecting the environment through the safe, secure management and disposal of waste water and sewage is also a requirement. Working with municipalities, we are finding cost-effective ways to address the need for nutrient control at all regional waste-water treatment facilities and lagoons, which also supports our commitment to safeguard the water quality of Lake Winnipeg for future generations.”
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