Thursday, November 27, 2025
The federal and Manitoba governments are jointly investing $76.9 million to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities, a move officials say will help municipalities build more homes, support growth and keep life affordable.
Premier Wab Kinew said the funding, announced Tuesday, will give communities the capacity they need to expand housing.
“The cost of living starts with the cost of housing, and that means we need the infrastructure that lets communities build more homes,” Kinew said. “These vital water and wastewater projects give rural municipalities the capacity so they can grow, attract new families and keep life affordable.”
The investment flows through the rural stream of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), which is aimed at helping municipalities build or upgrade critical infrastructure tied directly to housing development.
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard said communities across Manitoba were clear about the supports they needed. “These important infrastructure upgrades will unleash housing and economic growth in large and small municipalities across the province,” Simard said. “This is the critical infrastructure needed for communities to grow and thrive well into the future.”
Several municipal leaders welcomed the funding. Jim Funk, reeve of Hanover and chair of the Red-Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Co-operative, said the support will help keep major upgrades on track. “With construction costs rising each year, this support is vital to keeping our project on track and ensuring shovels are in the ground in 2026,” he said.
Pembina Valley Water Co-operative (PVWC) CEO Dale Toews said a plant expansion in Letellier will strengthen water security for the region. “This investment in the PVWC allows us to move ahead with confidence in our capital expansion as we continue to supply clean drinking water to our communities,” he said.
City of Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett called the investment essential to long-term sustainability. “Clean, safe drinking water and reliable wastewater systems are foundational to a prosperous city,” he said. “These upgrades aren’t just for today, they’re about making sure Brandon is ready to grow and thrive for decades to come.”
Under the CHIF allocation, Manitoba will direct funding toward several regional priorities, including:
- $22 million for the RSR East Water and Wastewater Treatment network
- $22 million for the RSR West (Brandon) Water and Wastewater network
- $22 million for the Pembina Valley Water Co-op capital plan
- $6.5 million for upgrades to the Boissevain lagoon
- $4.4 million for a Morden sewer line to Winkler
The province says the projects will support growing communities by strengthening drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems—core infrastructure required to meet rising housing demands.
