The Province of Manitoba has announced a three-year, $12-million project to fund wastewater systems in communities around the province. The Municipal Water Infrastructure Fund is part of the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan, and will share the cost of water and wastewater infrastructure projects with municipalities.
Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux made the announcement in Neepawa. “This fund will help us move forward on projects that will help protect our lakes and rivers, and reduce the amount of nutrients entering our waterways, which is critical to saving Lake Winnipeg,” he told the Daily Commercial News. “These kind of shared investments in needed community infrastructure create jobs and make life better for families.”
Neepawa itself will benefit from the plan. The city is due to receive a system upgrade, including a membrane treatment system, valued at over $7 million.
Neepawa Mayor Ken Waddel lauded the investment. “The Town of Neepawa has had this project in mind for a long time,” he said. “Tapping into the aquifer and upgrading our water treatment plant has been discussed for many years. To be able to partner with the province on this project is great for the area and a gratifying response for the councillors and mayors, both past and present.”
