Canada Makes $53.2 Million in Wastewater Plant Investments
The Selkirk project will replace its existing treatment plant and improve the quality of the effluent discharged into a Manitoba freshwater resource, Lake Winnipeg, and the Red River.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba on Aug. 5 announced more than $53.2 million in combined funding for two new wastewater treatment plants, one for the city of Selkirk and the other for the Rural Municipality of Gimli. The Selkirk project will replace its existing treatment plant and improve the quality of the effluent discharged into a Manitoba freshwater resource, Lake Winnipeg, and the Red River.
The announcement was made by Brian Pallister, premier of Manitoba; Jim Carr, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre and minister of Natural Resources; Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson; and Gimli Mayor Randy Woroniuk. Gimli's expanded, modernized wastewater treatment system will improve the long-term reliability and performance of the beachfront town's treatment process and will connect additional households in Gimli.
Both projects will help improve the quality of effluent that is discharged back into the lake. "These projects will allow the city of Selkirk and the RM of Gimli to treat their wastewater to the highest quality nutrient removal and ensure the long-term health of the Red River and Lake Winnipeg. Our government is confident these investments will provide value for taxpayers and have a significant environmental impact in their communities," Pallister said.
"The government of Canada recognizes that investing in infrastructure, such as water and wastewater treatment systems, is essential to growing the middle class and equips municipalities with the building blocks needed to support a high standard of living. By investing in new, more advanced wastewater treatment plants in Selkirk and Gimli, the government of Canada is helping to protect our waterways, ensuring a healthy environment, and contributing to the high quality of life Canadians want and expect," added Carr.