The Manitoba government is taking action to protect communities and prepare for the upcoming wildfire season by investing over $13.6 million in 16 projects to support the capacity of rural municipalities and Northern Affairs and First Nation communities to respond to fires and keep Manitobans safe, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie announced today.
“Investing in infrastructure that supports fire protection and safety is critical to building community resilience to environmental emergencies and unforeseen events,” said Bushie. “That is why today, our province has committed over $13.6 million in funding to build our province’s resilience to emergency events and to protect our communities. We extend our gratitude to the firefighters of Manitoba who work tirelessly to keep Manitobans safe.”
Through top-up funding to the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund and the Northern Affairs Fund, the province is supporting 16 critical infrastructure projects that will expand and enhance local capacity to respond to on-the-ground emergencies and wildfires.
The approved projects for 2024 include:
-Benito Fire Station replacement for the Municipality of Swan Valley West;
-Pine River Fire Hall upgrades for the Rural Municipality of Mountain;
-a new fire truck for the Municipality of Roblin;
-fire department upgrades for the Rural Municipality of Gimli;
-fire fleet replacement for the Town of Winnipeg Beach;
-fire truck replacement for the Rural Municipality of Coldwell;
-a new fire truck for Moosehorn Fire Department for the Rural Municipality of Grahamdale;
-fire hall parking lot upgrades for the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton;
-fire hall expansion and purchase of fire truck for the Rural Municipality of Victoria Beach;
-fire hall expansion for the Town of Niverville;
-a triple combination pumper for the Town of Beausejour;
-a new fire station for the Rural Municipality of Headingley;
-a new fire engine for the Rural Municipality of Springfield;
-a fire pumper truck replacement for the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn; and
-fire equipment for Northern Affairs Communities.
Investments under the fund are allocated toward projects that align with Manitoba’s definition of strategic infrastructure, which includes water and wastewater treatment plants, waste management facilities, public transit, roads and bridges, public safety and recreation projects.
“Continuing to keep the residents of Niverville and their property protected from fire is always a priority for the Town of Niverville,” said Mayor Myron Dyck, Town of Niverville. “With Niverville being the fastest growing municipality in the province, fire protection is more important than ever. This investment from the Manitoba government into an upgrade of our fire hall and operations building is more than welcome and will ensure that the Town of Niverville can keep its residents and future residents safe.”
“The funding for our new platform firetruck will help better protect our community and keep our firefighters and citizens safe,” said Mike Chudd, fire chief, Gimli Fire and Rescue. “Thank you to Minister Bushie and the Manitoba government for caring about our community and its needs.”
The Manitoba government will also continue to prioritize efforts that mitigate risks and enhance the province’s community fire prevention and resilience against wildfires by collaborating with Indigenous communities and municipalities to keep Manitobans safe, the minister noted.
To learn more about the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund, visit: Province of Manitoba | mr – Strategic Municipal Investment Fund
