Roblin, Manitoba – Two green infrastructure projects
to upgrade wastewater systems in Manitoba’s parkland region were
jointly announced today by the Government of Canada and the Province of
Manitoba. Funding for these projects through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) exceeds $2.8 million.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Justice
and Attorney General of Canada on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton,
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification,
and the Honourable Stan Struthers, Manitoba Minister of Conservation on
behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation.
“Canada's New Government is getting things done and delivering
on its promise to improve our communities and protect the environment,”
said Minister Toews on behalf of the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister
of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
“These plans will combine practical infrastructure improvements
with sound environmental practices, both of which are critical for the
future economic development in Manitoba.”
“This government remains committed to improving the quality of
life in our rural communities,” said Minister Struthers. “The
Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund’s green focus
makes it a great resource to address infrastructure issues throughout
the province.”
The projects announced in the parkland region are part of a larger group
of 15 rural and northern Manitoba infrastructure projects worth $22 million
being announced through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure
Fund over the week by both levels of government. The approved projects
focus largely on green infrastructure for water and wastewater systems
throughout the province and one broadband connectivity project.
The two infrastructure projects announced today for Manitoba’s
parkland region will upgrade current wastewater systems for three communities
and the surrounding area. The Village of McCreary will benefit from a
sewer relining project to improve service and extend the systems lifespan,
as well as impact future development planned for the Village. The RM of
Shell River and the Town of Roblin will expand their existing lagoon to
meet population growth over the last thirty years and to supply the necessary
infrastructure for further economic development opportunities in the community.
MRIF project approvals are based on recommendations from its Rural/Northern
Federal Provincial Local Consultative Committee (FPLCC). The projects
announced result from applications received under the third and final
rural and northern project application intake deadline of June 15, 2006.
The FPLCC consists of local government representatives from the Association
of Manitoba Municipalities and the Northern Association of Community Councils.
The FPLCC was created to provide input in the MRIF project selection process.
“The AMM is pleased to be a part of a successful partnership bringing
much-needed infrastructure investments to Manitoba communities,”
said Ron Bell, AMM President. “The two projects being announced
today are visionary in that they will allow these communities to plan
for the future, both economically and environmentally. The Municipal Rural
Infrastructure Fund has made a significant contribution to our members'
infrastructure needs and I look forward to seeing more funds dedicated
to this program in the future.”
“The wastewater system upgrades announced today are indications
of the green priorities set by both levels of government,” said
Reg Meade, NACC President. “By renewing and investing in the core
infrastructure of rural and northern communities, we’re investing
in a more prosperous future for our local residents and future generations.”
The Canada-Manitoba MRIF is investing a total of $120 million in communities
across Manitoba. Eighty percent of MRIF funding is earmarked for communities
with a population under 250,000, including 198 municipalities and 50 unincorporated
Northern Community Councils in rural and northern Manitoba. The remaining
20 percent is allocated for communities with a population of more than
250,000. More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects
is available at www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Jacqueline Petrus,
Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel: (204) 945-8778
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-4883
Secretariat Website: www.infrastructure.mb.ca
Mark Gale,
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel: (204) 983-0280
Graham Gork,
Communications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel: (204) 945-5795
MB Government Website: www.gov.mb.ca
