The Manitoba government has announced the completion of three municipal water infrastructure projects valued at approximately $5.6 million, including $2.8 million in provincial funding through the Manitoba Water Services Board.
The projects, located in Beausejour, West St. Paul and Oakland-Wawanesa, were supported through Budget 2024 funding and are aimed at improving the reliability, safety and long-term sustainability of local drinking water systems.
“Our government is proud to support these important upgrades that strengthen the reliability and safety of local water systems across Manitoba,” Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced in a statement. “By investing in projects like these, we are ensuring families, businesses and communities have the modern infrastructure they need to grow with confidence.”
In Beausejour, approximately 1,750 metres of watermain along Park Avenue were replaced as part of a $4.1-million renewal project that received more than $2 million in provincial funding. The work also included replacement of water services to the property line and curb stops. Officials said the upgrades will improve water quality, reduce service disruptions and modernize underground infrastructure.
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“The completion of the Park Avenue Watermain Renewal Project represents a significant investment in the future of Beausejour, ensuring residents have access to reliable, high-quality drinking water for years to come,” said Beausejour Mayor Ray Schirle in a statement.
In the Rural Municipality of West St. Paul, a $950,000 watermain extension project along Main Street received $475,000 in provincial funding. The project included approximately 2,770 metres of new watermain and associated infrastructure along Provincial Trunk Highway 9. The municipality said the work will help expand service capacity, improve system resilience and support future development along the corridor.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Oakland-Wawanesa completed a $550,000 watermain renewal project along Commercial Street in Wawanesa, including the replacement of 280 metres of watermain. The province contributed $275,000 toward the project.
“Municipalities, working in conjunction with the Manitoba government, can accomplish major projects, ensuring necessary investments in their municipal assets,” announced Dave Kreklewich, head of council for Oakland-Wawanesa. “We want to extend a special thank you to the Manitoba Water Services Board for its continued contribution and support.”
Selkirk work underway
Watermain work is also getting underway in the City of Selkirk. Watermain renewal is scheduled on three blocks of Main Street between Sinclair and Sutherland and Toronto and Rosser will take place, with the city replacing a cast iron pipe that was installed in 1914. Sections along Main Street have been upsized over the years, and this summer’s work will add a new pipe from Rosser to Sinclair, officials announced.
“We’re upsizing the pipe there, it’s a four-inch diameter and we’re upsizing to a 10-inch, PVC pipe,” announced Dan McDermid, the city’s director of operations. “It’s a big thing. We need higher fire flows there because of the bigger buildings and buildings that are closer together. The need for the upgrade was identified in our Utility Master Plan.”
The city has budgeted $1.6 million for infrastructure repair and maintenance in 2026.
