The Manitoba government is investing nearly $50 million in water and wastewater services projects under the Manitoba Restart Program to protect communities and create jobs.
“These projects are significant capital works that support the ongoing supply of clean water and wastewater treatment in our municipalities and parks,” said Municipal Relations Minister Derek Johnson. “Our government is committed to growing Manitoba’s economy and protecting Manitobans, and these investments will help create jobs and improve the safety and well-being of our communities.”
The funds come from the $500-million Manitoba Restart Program, an economic stimulus package designed to help restart Manitoba’s economy as the province moves forward through the COVID-19 pandemic. The new investments include approximately $43 million from the Department of Municipal Relations and $7 million from the Department of Conservation and Climate.
More than 40 projects have been approved for multiple regions of the province including five projects to upgrade water and wastewater systems in the Asessippi, Grand Beach, Paint Lake and Whiteshell provincial parks.
“Our provincial parks have been an important retreat for Manitobans during the pandemic and as more and more people spend their vacations here in our province, we need to respond to the increased demand,” said Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard. “We are improving our parks and ensuring their water and wastewater treatment facilities are up to date.”
The projects include upgrades to water treatment plants, sewage treatment lagoons and lift stations, as well as water distribution and collection systems. With local investments included, these projects will accomplish more than $80 million of water and wastewater infrastructure improvements through provincial and municipal funding, which supports local needs and provides significant employment at an important time for Manitoba’s economy, Johnson said.
