Work on Wawanesa’s new ice plant could start this year thanks to a grant this week from Manitoba’s Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program.

The Manitoba government is investing more than $25 million through the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program to support 427 local and regional projects that will enhance existing public facilities and spaces, and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans.

“Our government recognizes the importance of municipalities and community-based organizations in building thriving and sustainable communities across the province,” said Clarke. “Budget 2022: Recover Together is doubling the funding available to communities for projects that respond to their local and regional needs, and improve the quality of life for their citizens and promote community cohesion and well-being.”

The minister noted 46 projects have been approved for the Westman region for a total of over $2.2 million. The Wawanesa ice plant replacement project at the recreation centre picked up $300,000.

“This is great news” said committee member Jeff Elder.

“You fill out these grants and continue to fund raise because you simply don’t know whether or not you’ll get any grants.”

The Wawanesa group has been working to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. The latest grant takes their fund raising total to around $1.4 million. Elder says they still need more money as the project will cost anywhere from $1.5 to $2 million.

“We hope this will allow us to start work this year. I think our existing plant could get us through another year. Fingers crossed we can start but we are working on a very tight timeline to get everything done.”