Several groups in Western Manitoba have picked up government infrastructure funding.

Canada and Manitoba governments approved 27 community infrastructure projects under two new federal infrastructure programs introduced as part of Phase 1 of the 10-year Investing in Canada plan. The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Fund, are both aimed at addressing priority projects and focuses on repairing and upgrading existing facilities and assets. Phase 1 will help lay the foundation for the longer-term federal investment strategy. Details on Phase 2 of Investing in Canada will be announced over the next year.

Additional projects will be prioritized by the province for funding under each of these funds in the coming months.
The RM of Pipestone secured $3.75 million for a lagoon expansion project.

“This will allow us to fix the problems with the lagoon in Pipestone. We plan to run a line and force main it up to the Reston lagoon” said Reeve Archie McPherson.

The Southwest Water Co-op picked up $3.75 million to expand its water line system. “This money will give us the chance to get water to even more customers in the region” said Board President Bill Holden, the Mayor of Melita.

The water co-op serves about 1,600 customers in Melita, Medora, Napinka, Waskada and Brenda. “It will be out rural members that decide where to expand services because we have a number of people around communities like Elva and Coulter that want access to the water.”

Work on the water line expansion is expected to start this fall. The RM of Pipestone's project will like start in 2017.

“Municipalities have called for a ‘fair say’ on how infrastructure dollars are invested, while stressing the importance of clean and safe drinking water as well as efficient wastewater treatment for Manitobans. Our association is pleased to be at the table as a partner working alongside the federal and provincial governments in selecting municipal infrastructure projects that benefit our communities.” – Chris Goertzen, President, Association of Manitoba Municipalities.