Archived News Releases

September 27, 2004

Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton joined officials of the City of Portage la Prairie today for a ribbon cutting at the city's newly expanded water treatment plant that will support the community's growing economy and future business needs.

“This fully modernized plant will serve the city and neighbouring areas as well as a major area employer well into the future.  Over the years, the city has shown steady industrial growth with McCain, Can‑Oat and more recently Simplot, which all require a reliable high-quality water supply for their respective processes,” said Ashton.

Between the summers of 2002 and 2003, the Manitoba Water Services Board in partnership with the city undertook water plant upgrading works totalling approximately $19 million.  The non-Simplot related water plant works of approximately $14 million were equally cost-shared by the province and the city.

The city's water plant serves as a regional water system for residents in the rural municipalities of Portage la Prairie and Grey.  Plans are underway to extend the rural pipelines west to provide water to the municipalities of North Norfolk, Westbourne, Gladstone, MacGregor and Austin.

The city's water treatment plant was built in the early '70s with funding from the province and the federal government, utilizing the Assiniboine River as the source.  Since construction 30 years ago, changes in the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality have become more stringent for systems drawing from surface waters such as the Assiniboine and the city's plant could no longer meet these requirements without major upgrading.

A study conducted in the late 1990s recommended:

·         pretreatment to reduce colour/turbidity,

·         expansion of treated water reservoir capacity to meet peak demands, and

·         additional reactors to increase the plant capacity.

“Our goal is the provision of the best treated water possible.  We know and realize the importance of safety in the water supply and protection of the health of our citizens,” said Ian MacKenzie, mayor of Portage la Prairie.  “With these upgrades to the plant, residents of the city and region are assured a supply of treated water that exceeds Canadian drinking water standards.”

“All partners in this improved water supply plant should be commended for their spirit of co-operation,” said Ashton.  “The Portage la Prairie council and staff should also be commended for ensuring quality water will be supplied to all of the surrounding residents.”

- 30 -