New wastewater funding commitments in Quebec and Manitoba highlight how provinces and the federal government are working together to modernize essential facilities and expand treatment capacity to enable much-needed housing development.
To extend the lifespan and improve the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, the province and federal government have each increased their planned funding from $12.6 million to $24.9 million, bringing the total federal–provincial investment to nearly $50 million.
The project includes modernization of the primary clarifier mechanics, roof renovations for the main building, new health and safety measures for staff, and upgraded automation systems to improve process control. These improvements are designed to ensure uninterrupted service and strengthen the plant’s long-term performance viewed as critical to residents of Saint-Hyacinthe and surrounding Maskoutaine communities.
Chantal Soucy, Member of the National Assembly for Saint-Hyacinthe, said the additional support was necessary to prevent cost overruns from falling directly on residents.
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“This additional assistance is therefore excellent news for Saint-Hyacinthe. It is also a significant gain for the Yamaska River, as the planned upgrades will significantly reduce the amount of wastewater discharged, thereby improving its environmental condition,” Soucy said in a statement.
Manitoba municipalities
Manitoba and the federal government are jointly investing $76.9 million in water and wastewater infrastructure to help rural municipalities upgrade essential systems needed to build more homes, support population growth, and keep life affordable.
Under the provincial stream of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), the funding supports long-term infrastructure priorities that directly enable increased housing supply.
Projects receiving support include:
- $22M for the RSR East Water and Wastewater Treatment Network
- $22M for the RSR West (Brandon) Water and Wastewater Network
- $22M for the Pembina Valley Water Co-op capital plan
- $6.5M for the Boissevain Lagoon
- $4.4M for the Morden sewer line to Winkler
Local leaders say the investments will dramatically improve system capacity.
“The plant expansion in Letellier is a game changer for us and the communities we serve,” said Dale Toews, CEO of the Pembina Valley Water Co-operative. “This investment in the PVWC allows us to move ahead with confidence in our capital expansion as we continue to supply clean drinking water to our communities.”
