$53.2 million in support announced for Manitoba wastewater treatment

On August 5, 2016, representatives from federal, provincial and municipal levels of government announced more than $53.2 million in combined funding for two new wastewater treatment plants in Manitoba; one for the City of Selkirk and the other for the Rural Municipality of Gimli.

The City of Selkirk project will see the replacement of their existing ailing wastewater treatment plant, and improve the quality of the effluent discharged into one of Manitoba’s greatest freshwater resources, Lake Winnipeg, as well as into the Red River. Along with improving the overall reliability of the wastewater treatment system, the new facility will increase its capacity, and serve the City of Selkirk, St. Andrews and Lower Fort Garry.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba are each contributing up to $11.733M towards the Selkirk Wastewater Treatment Plant project, representing two-thirds of the estimated $35.2 million total eligible project cost. The City of Selkirk will provide the balance of the funding.

For the Rural Municipality of Gimli, an expanded and modernized wastewater treatment system will improve the long-term reliability and performance of the existing wastewater treatment system in this Lake Winnipeg beachfront town. It will also help to connect additional households in Gimli to the current wastewater system while allowing for future growth.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba are each contributing up to $6 million towards  the Gimli Wastewater Treatment Plant project, representing two-thirds of the estimated $18 million total eligible project cost. The Rural Municipality of Gimli will provide the balance of the funding.

“These projects will allow the City of Selkirk and the RM of Gimli to treat their wastewater to the highest quality nutrient removal and ensure the long term health of the Red River and Lake Winnipeg,” said Brian Pallister, Premier of Manitoba.