The Manitoba government is directing more than $9.45 million to eight bilingual municipalities for upgrades to fire protection, critical infrastructure and recreation services — including nearly half a million dollars for a new fire truck in the RM of St. Laurent.
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced the funding this week, noting that rural municipalities play a key role in delivering essential local infrastructure.
“These investments will improve fire protection, upgrade vital infrastructure and enhance recreational spaces,” Simard said. “With the leadership of our municipal partners, these projects will make Manitoba’s bilingual communities safer, more vibrant and better places to live for future generations.”
The RM of St. Laurent will receive $472,500 toward the purchase of a new fire truck — a long-needed addition for a community that has faced repeated emergencies in recent years, including wildfires, evacuations and severe flooding conditions. Reeve Richard Chartrand said the support arrives at an important time.
“Our council has worked diligently to improve public services for the RM of St. Laurent residents and ensure their safety and security during challenging times,” Chartrand said. “This new fire truck will protect our community and help our dedicated volunteer fire department support surrounding communities during times of crisis.”
Chief administrative officer Billie Jean Oliver echoed Chartrand, noting the funding will be vital for enhancing safety in the municipality.
“Fire equipment, vehicles and gear have a life cycle and eventually expire, requiring municipalities to plan for replacements,” she said. “Because fire trucks are costly, provincial funding is essential to maintain this service. Our community worked hard to secure matching funds for the grant through donations and careful budgeting. This funding allows us to replace outdated equipment with a new four-wheel-drive response vehicle, capable of reaching all areas regardless of road conditions.”
The truck is now on order, and they expect it to be delivered in the spring of 2027. In total, it will cost approximately $945,000.00, and the remainder of the cost will be funded through community donations and municipal reserves.
RM of St. Laurent Fire Chief Chad Malfait said the new truck will be a major asset for both the department and the community. Without provincial support, the purchase would have been delayed for several more years. Their current truck is 19 years old and lacks many modern features, such as 4×4 capability. Their new 2026-modelled fire truck will also include a front bumper nozzle –– or a “pump and roll” capability –– meaning the truck can drive and spray water at the same time.
“This will be very beneficial for grass fires,” Malfait added. “Big thanks to all the people involved in applying for it that made this happen.”
The funding is part of the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program, which provides one-time grants to municipalities outside Winnipeg for infrastructure that supports sustainable, growing communities. The province expects to make up to $42 million available through the program in 2025-26. The bilingual communities were the first list that the Province of Manitoba announced through a news release, with plans on highlighting other grant receiving communities in future announcements. All municipalities were encouraged to apply to fund up to 50 per cent of their projects supporting public safety, roads, bridges and active transport, community infrastructure, multi-modal transportation or solid waste management and organic waste diversion.
Other bilingual funded projects include:
• Le Rendez-Vous Community, Culture and Recreation Campus in St. Pierre-Jolys – $5 million;
• Rural Municipality (RM) of De Salaberry, renovation of De Salaberry Recreation Facility – $1.5 million;
• RM of Ritchot–Île des Chênes, construction of Fire Station – $1.37 million;
• RM of Taché, rehabilitation of Poirier Bridge – $312,500;
• RM of Piney upgrade to the fire tanker – $315,000;
• Town of Ste. Anne, phase 2 construction of Traverse Road active transportation – $354,438;
• RM of St. Laurent for a fire truck – $472,500; and
• RM of La Broquerie, recreation infrastructure renewal in Marchand Park – $120,000.
Ivan Normandeau, president of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities, said the projects strengthen communities and help support francophone and bilingual regions across the province.
“These investments go far beyond simple capital projects — they form the foundations on which our communities build their future and leverage their bilingual advantage,” Normandeau said.
More information about municipal funding programs is available on the Manitoba government website.
