Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

Manitoba government

City of Winnipeg's CentrePort South sewer project costs rise $13M

City of Winnipeg's CentrePort South sewer project costs rise $13M

The cost of extending water and sewer services to the future site of CentrePort South has risen by nearly $13 million in three years. A City of Winnipeg estimate in 2020 guessed the project would cost $61 million, with the Manitoba government announcing last year it would cover up to $40 million. Reasons for the increase include inflation in the construction industry, and the need to reroute a main feeder line due to an Indigenous burial mound, according to a report to the finance committee on Friday.

Province invests $15.3M in rural water, wastewater projects

Province invests $15.3M in rural water, wastewater projects

Manitoba government is investing more than $15.3 million to support three key water and wastewater treatment projects in rural communities, Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith announced in Headingley on Monday. The money will go to projects in the Rural Municipalities of Headingley, Macdonald and West St. Paul, near Winnipeg. “Our government is proud to invest in water and wastewater treatment projects which improve the quality of life for local residents,” said Smith in a press release. “By ensuring safe, secure drinking water, these projects also provide environmentally sound wastewater management for our communities. We are pleased to fund these important projects in our capital region to ensure our water management systems are healthy and sustainable for years to come.”

In time of climate crisis, Manitoba unveils new water strategy

In time of climate crisis, Manitoba unveils new water strategy

From nutrient-rich wetlands and 100,000 lakes to a dry southern region and an Arctic port, Manitoba is a province defined by water — after all, nearly a fifth of the province is covered in it. Now, in an update nearly 20 years in the waiting, the Manitoba government has released a strategy to manage its water resources — factoring in the impacts of a warming climate for the first time.

Manitoba boosts funding for CentrePort expansion, cites absence of federal cash

Manitoba boosts funding for CentrePort expansion, cites absence of federal cash

The Manitoba government is willing to double its funding for a major expansion of CentrePort Canada in northwest Winnipeg to prevent it from being held up by a lack of federal cash. An estimated $60 million is required for water and sewer infrastructure to support the first phase of the inland shipping port's expansion project, CentrePort South. The province and City of Winnipeg previously committed $20 million each, conditional to a matching amount from Ottawa. But that hasn't come through "despite extensive provincial engagement," Premier Heather Stefanson said Friday.

Rain in the forecast means Lake of the Woods water level likely to rise again

Rain in the forecast means Lake of the Woods water level likely to rise again

Rain in the forecast could increase the water level on Lake of the Woods again in the next few days, just as flood conditions were beginning to improve. As of Friday, the lake was 324.1 metres (1,063.3 feet) above sea level, just a few centimetres below its record crest of 324.31 metres (1,064 feet) above sea level reached during the flood of 1950, according to the Lake of the Woods Control Board. However, rainfall is expected to rise between five and 11 centimetres (two to four inches) over the next week, with most of the rise occurring over the weekend, says the board's most recent notice.

Whiteshell state of emergency extended to July 18

Whiteshell state of emergency extended to July 18

The Manitoba government has extended its state of emergency declaration in Whiteshell Provincial Park as water levels remain higher than normal. Although conditions have improved on the Winnipeg River and many lakes and streams, some areas of the southeastern Manitoba park remain hazardous, the province's Environment, Climate and Parks department said in a news release Friday. The original state of emergency declaration was set to expire June 19. The new one will expire on July 18, although it could be rescinded before then if it is no longer needed.

Manitoba testing community's drinking water for lead

Manitoba testing community's drinking water for lead

The Manitoba Government is monitoring the drinking water in a number of communities to test for lead. On Tuesday, the province confirmed it is working with water systems to find any lead exposure in Manitoba’s drinking water. This comes after Health Canada created new guidelines for lead in drinking water in 2019, prompting the Manitoba government to adopt the guidelines as the standard. The province also created a lead in drinking water website and developed an operation guideline for water systems. When it comes to lead monitoring programs, the province is prioritizing older, larger water systems that have known or suspected lead services. Lead monitoring was brought into Winnipeg in 2019 and then Brandon in 2021.

Pilot project will improve water quality testing in northern Manitoba: province

Pilot project will improve water quality testing in northern Manitoba: province

The province of Manitoba says it hopes to improve access to timely testing of water quality samples in northern Manitoba through a pilot program announced Thursday. A bacteriological water testing in site in Thompson is expected to reduce delays and uncertainties associated with shipping water samples from the northern Indigenous communities of Pikwitonei, Thicket Portage and Nelson House, according to a provincial news release.

CANADA AND MANITOBA INVEST IN DRINKING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND FLOOD PREVENTION

CANADA AND MANITOBA INVEST IN DRINKING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND FLOOD PREVENTION

The governments of Canada and Manitoba continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities, enhance quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19. Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, announced more than $146.5 million in joint funding for 11 projects across Manitoba to support green infrastructure. The projects will rehabilitate key water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as raise, rehabilitate, and replace dikes and dams to community needs and make these Manitoba communities even more resilient.

Governments sign new agreement to protect Lake Winnipeg

Governments sign new agreement to protect Lake Winnipeg

The federal and Manitoba governments inked a new 10-year agreement on Thursday committing to work together in support of the ecosystem health and water quality of Lake Winnipeg. The memorandum of understanding between the two governments aims to find ways to collaborate on solutions to the various challenges facing Canada's sixth-largest freshwater basin, including ways of cutting down on nutrient loading that contributes to toxic blue-green algal blooms most summers. The federal government also announced $519,000 in funding for 10 projects through Environment and Climate Change Canada's Lake Winnipeg Basin Program.

Vital Upgrades Coming To Pembina Valley Water Co-op's Letellier Plant, Thanks To Funding Approval

Vital Upgrades Coming To Pembina Valley Water Co-op's Letellier Plant, Thanks To Funding Approval

On Friday the Pembina Valley Water Co-op received notice that the provincial and federal governments both supported an important funding request. CEO Greg Archibald says this will support a vital first step in upgrading the Letellier Water Treatment Plant, and the whole system. "Obviously because of the growth in Southern Manitoba and our water restrictions, this is really important. It was announced that our project for $9.335 million would be supported with a government grant from Canada at $3.7 million, and a grant from Manitoba for $3.1 million. This is great news."

Canada And Manitoba Invest $212.8M To Upgrade The North End Sewage Treatment Plant's Headworks Facilities In Winnipeg

Canada And Manitoba Invest $212.8M To Upgrade The North End Sewage Treatment Plant's Headworks Facilities In Winnipeg

Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and Manitoba during this extraordinary time stimulate the economy and address the needs of communities as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments in modern and reliable water and waste-water infrastructure foster healthy and resilient communities, protect the environment, and support sustainable development and growth.

PROVINCE PROVIDES ALMOST $6 MILLION TO WATERSHED DISTRICTS PROGRAM

PROVINCE PROVIDES ALMOST $6 MILLION TO WATERSHED DISTRICTS PROGRAM

The Manitoba government will provide $5.873 million, an increase of $353,000 over previous years, to support watershed districts, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “Our government recognizes the tremendous value watershed districts provide, and the role they play in building climate resiliency and delivering GROW,” said Pedersen. “We are showing our support through this increase in funding, which will allow districts to expand into municipalities that are not currently participating in the program.”

Manitoba government deemed partially responsible for 2011 flooding of Lake Manitoba

Manitoba government deemed partially responsible for 2011 flooding of Lake Manitoba

A judge has found the Manitoba government at fault for severe flooding along Lake Manitoba that destroyed homes and forced evacuations a decade ago. Manitoba's Court of Queen Bench Justice Joan McKelvey made the ruling in a decision released on Friday. McKelvey acknowledged high precipitation contributed to the overland flooding, but it didn't negate the impact of Manitoba's decision to intentionally divert water into the lake to protect Winnipeg.

Province tells City of Winnipeg it must explore public-private partnership for sewage plant

Province tells City of Winnipeg it must explore public-private partnership for sewage plant

The provincial government wants the City of Winnipeg to explore expanding and operating the North End Sewage Treatment Plant through a public-private partnership that would privatize the city's entire treatment system, the director of the water and waste department says. Moira Geer's report to members of the city's executive policy committee says the Progressive Conservative government has directed the city to engage a consultant for an "analysis of the feasibility of a public-private partnership (P3) procurement methodology" for the sewage plant's biosolids and nutrient removal facilities.

Dry summer feared for Manitoba, province preparing in case of possible drought

Dry summer feared for Manitoba, province preparing in case of possible drought

The Manitoba government says it's prepared in case of a drought this summer, following a winter where some areas saw record-low snowfall. "While there are no current drought impacts, our government is closely monitoring conditions and increasing its drought readiness," Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said Tuesday. Although the province is heading into a period of dry weather, a bit of precipitation will go a long way, he says.

Water, sewer rate hike recommended to help pay for $1.8B Winnipeg treatment plant upgrades

Water, sewer rate hike recommended to help pay for $1.8B Winnipeg treatment plant upgrades

The City of Winnipeg's public service is recommending a combined 11.6 per cent increase to water and sewer rates over the next four years. A report to the city's water and waste committee says the main driver behind the recommended increase is providing funding for improvements to the city's North End sewage treatment facility and other sewage infrastructure projects. The city faces approximately $1.8 billion in costs to upgrade the treatment plant.

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