May 09, 2008
The Pas, Manitoba
The Pas will benefit from infrastructure project funding thanks to the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). This joint funding exceeds $588,000 and is based on equal contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and local government.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Oscar Lathlin, Manitoba Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation; and the Honourable Senator Terry Stratton, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"This funding will see needed upgrades completed on the local water system which have benefits for the residents of The Pas," said Minister Lathlin. "These renewals will address specific issues at a sewage lift station but will also help enhance the environment through improved management of wastewater."
"This joint investment of $588,000 to upgrade The Pas' sewage lift station is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to keep building and modernizing Canada's infrastructure," said Senator Stratton. "By working together with our provincial and local government partners, we are creating stronger and healthier communities in rural and northern Manitoba."
The Pas, located 610 kilometres north of Winnipeg, will use the $588,000 investment to upgrade the Bell Avenue sewage lift station. The lift station pumps sewage from approximately two thirds of the buildings in The Pas. The upgrades will increase the efficiency of the pumping station and minimize potential health risks associated with sewage backup into buildings.
This new green infrastructure project is part of $11 million in funding that has been announced since the fall of 2007 to improve drinking water and to enhance the environment in rural and northern communities by upgrading the quality of water and management of water, wastewater, and solid waste. These rounds of announcements are based on recommendations from the MRIF Rural/Northern Federal Provincial Local Consultative Committee (FPLCC). The FPLCC consists of local government representatives from the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC). The FPLCC was created to provide local input and knowledge in the MRIF project selection process in Rural and Northern Manitoba.
"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 project being announced today will ensure the lift station servicing the majority of The Pas no longer operates with obsolete components. 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 these types of projects in the future."
"This commitment by the two levels of government to improve waste water treatment for Northern Manitobans is an investment in the future of this community," said Reg Meade, President of the Northern Association of Community Councils. "This project not only protects the environment, but it will improve the quality of life for residents."
The Canada-Manitoba MRIF agreement is investing a total of $145 million in communities across Manitoba. Of the funds, 80 per cent are 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 per cent of funds are awarded to communities with populations over 250,000.
More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects are available at: www.infrastructure.gc.ca and www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
For more information, contact:
Marcus Miller, Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-8778
Cell: (204) 803-9456
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-4883
www.infrastructure.mb.ca
John Thorpe, Communications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-4997
www.gov.mb.ca
Lee Gregg, Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0701
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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