August 29, 2026
Manitoba Government Invests up to $500,000 in Backup Generator for Minitonas-Bowsman Water Treatment Plant
The Manitoba government is providing a one-time grant of up to $500,000 for the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman to purchase a backup generator for its water treatment plant, allowing the community to protect residents’ water supply during any future loss of power, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.
“Residents of Minitonas-Bowsman experienced firsthand how critical infrastructure can be vulnerable when severe storms and flooding strike,” said Simard. “The prolonged power outage on June 8 disrupted water treatment operations, triggered a boil‑water advisory and left the community without reliable service for nearly two days. No community should have to face that risk again. With this investment, our government is helping ensure the water treatment plant can continue operating during future power outages. This support strengthens public health, improves climate resilience and provides long‑term security for families, businesses and municipal services across Minitonas-Bowsman.”
On June 8, severe storms and overland flooding caused a prolonged power outage at the Minitonas Water Treatment Plant. The outage disrupted operations and resulted in a boil water advisory and water service interruption for approximately two days.
A generator would maintain essential treatment, pumping and distribution systems during future power outages, the minister noted.
“The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of rural infrastructure as demonstrated by the announcement of this grant today,” said Gary Bartel, deputy reeve, Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman. “As unprecedented weather events become more common, this backup generator will allow for safe water to be produced and delivered without interruption in the community of Minitonas.”
The project will reduce the likelihood of future service interruptions, boil water advisories and related public health impacts, the minister noted, adding that the project is expected to have a cash flow requirement of $100,000 in 2026-27 for engineering, design and tendering, and $400,000 in 2027-28 for equipment, installation and related site work.
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