The southeast region of Manitoba is urgently requesting funding from the Government of Canada through Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs. The City of Steinbach, the R.M. of Hanover, and the R.M. of Ste. Anne have all applied for funding regarding various infrastructure projects within the southeast region.
All municipalities have applied for funding for the construction or expansion of lagoon facilities. The City of Steinbach has applied for funding for three distinct projects: the expansion of the City’s lagoon at a cost of $10.5 million; the expansion of the Steinbach Landfill at a cost of $2.75 million; and the expansion and renovation of the Jake Epp Public Library at a cost of $2.85 million. The City has requested the maximum amount of funding, being two thirds of the eligible costs, for each project. Currently, the City’s landfill and public library are considered regional facilities as residents from surrounding municipalities utilize both extensively.
“These essential projects in the Steinbach region are important to the continued growth of our city and the surrounding municipalities,” said Mayor Chris Goertzen. “Projects such as the sewage treatment facilities in Steinbach, Hanover, and Ste. Anne, as well as the expansions of both the Steinbach Landfill and Jake Epp Public Library are all crucial to the continued success of our region.”
Rural Municipality of Hanover Reeve Stan Toews notes that the many infrastructure projects are planned throughout the municipality. The RM of Hanover will be applying for approximately six utility infrastructure projects. Projects include the Mitchell and Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, Kleefeld Wastewater Treatment Facility, New Bothwell and Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, Kleefeld Water Treatment and Distribution System Upgrade, and Grunthal Water Treatment and Distribution System Upgrade along with the Grunthal and Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade.
“I believe Hanover has projects that meet the intent of the Building Canada Fund criteria – municipal infrastructure that is shovel ready within the next two summers,” said Reeve Toews. “The southeast region has projects that are ready to proceed. ”
The R.M. of Ste. Anne is applying for funding for a sewage collection project and lagoon expansion.
“We are concerned about septic fields not working properly, especially in highly populated areas, and what long term effects this may have on drinking water,” said Ste. Anne Reeve Art Bergman. “The R.M. of Ste. Anne has been proactive in this issue by starting a feasibility study three years ago for this project. If we don’t have funding from other partners, it’s back to the drawing board.” “Both our citizens and residents of surrounding municipalities who benefit from these facilities would like to see these projects move forward and we need the infrastructure funds to make them happen,” said Mayor Goertzen.
The Steinbach Regional Municipal Leaders note that continued growth in the southeast region necessitates the upkeep and expansion of infrastructure in the area. The funding application deadline is February 23rd.
