News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

August 10, 2017

Province Announces New Water and Wastewater Projects for Manitoba Municipalities



PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE - ­The Manitoba government is investing over $34 million in new water and wastewater upgrades for Manitoba municipalities, Indigenous and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today, along with Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart.

“Our government is investing in important water and wastewater projects in communities across the province,” said Clarke. “These projects will help foster sustainable, safe, healthy communities for Manitobans to live and work. By partnering with municipalities to invest in strategic infrastructure, we are supporting economic growth in Manitoba.”

Today’s announcement is part of a new five-year Manitoba Water Services Board capital funding plan that will invest a total of $34.9 million in 21 water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Manitoba.

“We are pleased to support these important water infrastructure upgrades for Portage la Prairie and the surrounding area,” said Wishart.  “These investments will help sustain the region’s industrial capacity as well as our ability to attract future economic development, while meeting our shared responsibility to protect the environment.”

The City of Portage la Prairie will receive $3 million for water and wastewater system upgrades, including watermain renewal, a new industrial park forcemain, as well as the first phase of water treatment plant upgrades for design drawings. Additionally, the RM of Portage la Prairie is receiving $350,000 for rural water pipeline infrastructure upgrades.

“Clean, safe drinking water is essential to public health, and expanding water and wastewater treatment capacity is necessary for our communities to grow and prosper,” said Chris Goertzen, president, Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). “The AMM appreciates the Province of Manitoba’s partnership on the Manitoba Water Services Board, as it is only through cost-sharing that these projects can move forward.”

“Infrastructure investments in rural communities help maintain and build strong municipalities,” said Kam Blight, reeve, RM of Portage la Prairie. “We welcome the support from the Province and are pleased to partner with them on water pipeline infrastructure upgrades in the RM of Portage la Prairie.”

“We welcome this announcement today from Minister Clarke,” said Irvine Ferris, mayor, Portage la Prairie. “This $3 million investment in infrastructure will be used for water and wastewater upgrades, including water main renewal, new industrial park force main as well as phase 1 water treatment plant upgrades. This investment will make our community more sustainable both now and into the future.”

The Manitoba Water Services Board enters into agreements with municipalities and water co-operatives to deliver sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure that enhances economic development while improving public health and environmental concerns, said Clarke.  The Manitoba Water Services Board leads the development of sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure and provides project management for major infrastructure projects. The board conducts feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments for developing inter-municipal or regional infrastructure services.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Backgrounder - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2017/08/BKG-WaterBoard-IMR.pdf