Canada-Manitoba support Winnipeg Wastewater Treatment Facility

November 27, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba - The Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of Manitoba, and the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, along with his Worship Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg, today announced up to $33 million in support for improvements to the existing South End Water Pollution Control Centre in Winnipeg.
"As a result of this investment, our waterways will be protected for future generations of Manitobans," said Premier Selinger. "This investment in improving Winnipeg's water quality will also create construction jobs and stimulate economic development, which have been the focus of this government."

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting infrastructure projects that stimulate regional economies and create jobs for Canadians while promoting cleaner, greener living," said Minister Toews. "We are working to get projects, such as the Wet Weather Treatment project, started now to help provide economic opportunities for Manitobans while supporting environmentally sound growth."

"The City remains committed to improving the way we handle our wastewater and minimize our impact on the environment," said Mayor Sam Katz. "This project is just one part of the City's commitment to enhance our drinking water and improve wastewater control over the next several years."

The project involves improvements to the existing South End Water Pollution Control Centre (SEWPCC) to increase the plant's capacity to deal with wastewater during peak periods and protect the health of the Red River and Lake Winnipeg.

The total project cost is estimated at $33 million. The Government of Canada will set aside up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $11 million through the new Green Infrastructure Fund (GIF). The Province will match the federal contribution and the City of Winnipeg will provide the balance of funding.

Across Canada, the Government of Canada will provide $1 billion over five years for the Green Infrastructure Fund. This Fund supports projects that focus on green priorities such as sustainable energy generation and transmission, along with municipal wastewater and solid waste management infrastructure.

Today's announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province's cultural facilities, roads, schools, health facilities and water treatment facilities.

For more information on Building Canada, please visit: www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.