The City of Brandon announced today it has entered a partnership with Fusion Credit Union, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the Province of Manitoba, focusing on essential water and wastewater infrastructure projects. According to a media release, “the partnership supports growth and development in Brandon and provides clean drinking water to the equivalent of 47,000 households.”
“Earlier this year, the City of Brandon said it is poised to realize substantial savings due to a significant investment from the CIB of nearly $43 million. The City forecasts an annual savings of $1 million, contributing to an overall estimated saving of $30.6 million. The water treatment facility upgrade and expansion project will service residents for a projected 30-year horizon with provincial support of up to $53 million toward safe and clean drinking water infrastructure for the region.”
Key Developments:
• The Water Treatment Facility Upgrade and Expansion Project in Brandon will enable Manitoba’s second-largest city to provide potable drinking water that meets and exceeds the standards set by provincial regulators.
• The Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project, which includes the Southwest Lift Station, will expand the coverage of the existing wastewater processing facility to meet the residential and commercial demand in this rapidly growing region of the City. The borrowing for the Southwest Lift Station will be ultimately funded by development charges, ensuring a sustainable financial model.
• The infrastructure investment will enable Brandon to accommodate up to 2,300 new housing units.
• All water and wastewater infrastructure will remain publicly procured, owned and operated by the City of Brandon.
Mayor Jeff Fawcett expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This agreement represents a major step forward for our city. The combined expertise and resources of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Fusion Credit Union will enable us to undertake projects that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Fusion Credit Union CEO Darwin Johns added, “We are delighted to be part of this groundbreaking partnership between Fusion Credit Union, the City of Brandon, and the CIB. The financing will continue to drive success in community development and economic growth for Brandon and area, and our commitment to these goals as a local financial partner is well-aligned. Our experience with the City of Brandon and CIB has helped us build new competencies as a financial institution, and we welcome the prospect to partner with others across Manitoba and the prairies who may recognize opportunities for their community. As with this phenomenal partnership in Brandon, I believe that together we can make a lasting impact.”
“The government of Manitoba values the opportunity to partner on initiatives that invest in our communities and in our essential infrastructure,” said Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Lisa Naylor. “This is a partnership that also invests in the future of the City of Brandon and will serve this community well for generations.”
