The Manitoba government is supporting the health of Manitoba’s waterways through new investments in two watersheds and the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced Wednesday (July 25).
“Manitobans want to make sure our beautiful lakes, rivers and streams are protected,” said Schmidt. “Our government is taking action to support the health of watersheds to help improve water quality, protect wildlife and safeguard drinking water.”
The Manitoba government is investing $33,000 to expand the Watershed Districts Program. The rural municipalities of Portage la Prairie and Rockwood will join the West Interlake Watershed District and the Municipality of WestLake-Gladstone will join the Westlake Watershed District. In all, 116 municipalities participate in this voluntary program, which provides supports to protect, restore and manage water resources.
“We are excited to add the WestLake-Gladstone area to our watershed district,” said Tom Anderson, chair, Westlake Watershed District. “We are looking forward to working with all the participants from that area.”
In addition, the Manitoba government is investing $45,000 to support updates to the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer Management Plan. These efforts are led by the Assiniboine Delta Aquifer Management Advisory Board, which includes representatives from municipalities, industry, Indigenous communities, other local organizations and the federal and provincial governments. The planning process will provide an opportunity for public engagement and include actions and recommendations to support the long-term sustainability of the aquifer.
The Manitoba government is committed to working with local landowners, municipalities, Indigenous communities and key stakeholders through the Watershed Districts Program to find and deliver innovative solutions that work to enhance the sustainability of the province’s landscape, noted the minister. Watershed district projects and programs help mitigate flood and drought impacts, improve land and water management practices, improve water quality, protect drinking water sources and support prosperous rural development.
The Watershed Districts Program also contributes to the Manitoba government’s key commitment to work with experts and scientists to protect Lake Winnipeg and safeguard the health of all waterways, the minister noted.
For more information on aquifer and watershed planning in Manitoba, visit: www.manitoba.ca/sd/water/watershed/index.html.
