The governments of Canada and Manitoba continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities, enhance quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19.
Recently, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, announced more than $146.5 million in joint funding for 11 projects across Manitoba to support green infrastructure. The projects will rehabilitate key water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as raise, rehabilitate, and replace dikes and dams to community needs and make these Manitoba communities even more resilient.
“When we invest in water and wastewater infrastructure and flood prevention, we build safer and more resilient communities where Canadians can grow and thrive,” said the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The $78.6 million in federal funding announced today will support 11 projects across Manitoba and allow communities to make necessary upgrades to key water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as raise, rehabilitate, and replace dikes and dams. This funding is another key example of what we can accomplish for our communities when all levels of government work together.”
Brandon’s water treatment facility will be upgraded and expanded. This $115-million project is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the government of Manitoba and the City of Brandon. The project includes the addition of a membrane treatment facility, which will help Brandon to meet and exceed water quality requirements, as well as increase capacity and operational redundancy. Other additions include a new intake, yard piping, and settling pond, which will reduce maintenance and ensure the residents of Brandon have continued access to safe and reliable drinking water for decades to come.
The City of Thompson will benefit from the rehabilitation of more than 13.8 km of water pipes, and more than 3.3 km of wastewater pipes. The water and wastewater lines are deteriorating, and this rehabilitation project will ensure that residents of Thompson will continue to benefit from clean and safe drinking water. The Government of Canada is contributing more than $ $18.8 million to this project. The Government of Manitoba is contributing more than $15.6 million, and the City of Thompson is contributing more than $12.5 million.
Dikes in St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe will be raised to the 1:200 year flood protection level, ensuring the safety of the communities and surrounding areas for years to come. The project includes riverbank stabilization measures. The federal and provincial governments will contribute over $2.8 million in joint funding to these two projects.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $78.6 million in these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. Federal funding is conditional on fully satisfying environmental assessment requirements and consultations with Indigenous groups. The Government of Manitoba is investing more than $67.8 million, and contributions by recipients toward their respective projects are over $43.2 million. Funding recipients are responsible for any additional project costs.
