The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is loaning a combined up to $140 million to support five communities with water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Manitoba. The provincial portion of this investment is over $71 million.
According to a media release March 26th, “This green infrastructure partnership will enable construction of new facilities which will deliver cleaner water and better wastewater treatment
for approximately 78,000 housing units, while supporting the communities’ sustainable growth.
Investment commitments have been made with the City of Brandon and to the Red-Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Co-operative, comprised of the Rural Municipality of Taché, Rural Municipality of Hanover, Rural Municipality of Ritchot, Town of Niverville and City of Brandon. The municipalities are further supported with funding from the Manitoba government and
Infrastructure Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. All water and wastewater infrastructure will continue to remain publicly owned and operated by the municipalities, who remain responsible for the delivery of these essential projects.
Modern water treatment infrastructure is a critical public service for residents who depend on potable water for drinking, cooking and washing, alongside meeting requirements for public, commercial and industrial activities. Improved wastewater treatment systems provide opportunities for sustainable growth while protecting Canada’s freshwater resources for the benefit of people and wildlife. Together, the projects will provide the necessary enabling infrastructure capacity for the addition of approximately 2,300 new housing units in Brandon and 12,600 new housing units in RSR.
Specific details of the Brandon and RSR projects include the following:
City of Brandon:
• the water treatment facility upgrade and expansion project will enable Manitoba’s second-largest city to provide potable water that meets and exceeds the standards set by the Manitoba Office of Drinking Water; and
• the southwest Brandon wastewater servicing project will help expand coverage of existing wastewater processing facility to accommodate residential and commercial demand in this growing region of the city.
“Not only will this investment modernize our water treatment facility and wastewater systems, but it will also lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in our communities for generations to come,” says Mayor Jeff Fawcett.
The City says it’ll realize substantial savings due to the investment from Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) of nearly $43 Million. The city forecasts an annual savings of $1 million, independent of fluctuating interest rates, contributing to an overall estimated saving of $30.6 million.
