Left to right: Mel Schroeder (RM of Hanover), Vic Toews (MP), Henry Funk (Councillor RM of Hanover), and Doug Cavers (CAO RM of Hanover).
The Government of Canada announced hat two municipalities in south-eastern Manitoba have been approved for low-cost infrastructure loans as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and Regional Minister for Manitoba on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Minister Toews. “The Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program has enabled municipalities both here in Manitoba and across Canada to invest in water and waste services, fire halls and other housing-related infrastructure projects that are essential to growing their communities”.
The Rural Municipality of Hanover has received approval for $5.7 million in low-cost loans for 3 projects to upgrade their wastewater and drinking water treatment systems.
“Access to secure long-term CMHC funding has allowed our Municipality to keep up with infrastructure needs within our local communities. We applaud the federal government for having the vision to invest in these important projects for Hanover,” said Doug Cavers, Chief Administrative Officer for the RM of Hanover.
The Rural Municipality of Springfield has also been approved for funding of $491,000 in the form of a low-cost loan to expand their storm water drainage system.
These projects will contribute to the health and safety of the residents of Springfield and Hanover. This is a great example of how the Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program is improving community infrastructure while creating jobs for Canadians.
These projects were announced by Minister Toews as part of a larger announcement of eight projects across Manitoba that have received contributions from the Government of Canada totaling more than $31 million.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $2 billion over two years in direct low-cost loans to municipalities. Municipal infrastructure loans were available to any municipality in Canada and provided a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low-cost loans could be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.
Eligible projects included infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting, fire halls and residential green spaces.
CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 65 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing solutions, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.
More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca.
