The provincial government announced last week it’s making over $2 million in investments in five Interlake communities, including the Town of Winnipeg Beach and the RM of Gimli, to strengthen infrastructure and public safety.
The Town of Winnipeg Beach Fire Department will receive $40,000 for fleet replacement and rapid response, and the RM of Gimli will receive $1 million for its Gimli Recreation Centre campus plan and the renewal of Centennial Road and Autumnwood Drive.
Municipal and northern relations minister Glen Simard (NDP MLA for Brandon East) said the total investment [$2,086,375] reflects the province’s commitment to strengthening rural communities in the region.
“These projects will enhance public safety and improve essential local infrastructure that families and communities rely on every day,” said Simard in a Dec. 3 provincial news release. “By working closely with municipalities across the Interlake region, we’re ensuring they have the tools they need to build a safer, more vibrant future for all Manitobans.”
Town of Winnipeg Beach Fire Chief Dave Schellenberg said in a statement to the Express the funding will strengthen the department’s water rescue program.
“This investment will significantly enhance the department’s ability to protect the community by strengthening its water rescue program and providing faster, more efficient response to non-fire related emergencies such as medical incidents, shoreline rescues and other urgent calls where time is critical,” said Schellenberg. “Our volunteers respond to a wide range of emergencies, and this grant allows us to reach people faster when every minute matters. We are grateful to the Province of Manitoba for supporting our growth and helping us continue to safeguard residents and visitors.”
Winnipeg Beach Mayor Stan Potten and councillors Barry Hoel, Doug Jarvis and Larry Kisloski also thanked the province for its support, as well as the Winnipeg Beach Firefighters Association.
“This funding ensures our volunteer firefighters can respond faster and better protect residents and visitors,” said council.
Gimli Mayor Kevin Chudd said the province’s $1 million investment is “significant” for the community.
“The funding for the recreation centre campus plan and essential infrastructure renewal will help us modernize critical assets, enhance safety, and support the recreational and transportation needs of our growing community,” said Chudd in the provincial news release. “These improvements will benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike, and we’re grateful for the province’s continued partnership in building a strong and vibrant future for Gimli.”
In addition to investing in Winnipeg Beach and Gimli, the province is providing the RM of Rockwood with $784,875 for Phase 2 of the reconstruction of Propellant Plant Road (75N) Road 10E. The Town of Stonewall is receiving $136,500 for climate and accessibility upgrades of Quarry Park. And the RM of Grahamdale is receiving $125,000 for grounds expansion of the Faulkner Waste Disposal site.
Funding for all five projects will be distributed through the 2024-25 Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program.
The GRO program is available to all municipalities outside Winnipeg. It provides funding for critical infrastructure that support communities.
Simard added that 2025-26 Manitoba GRO recipients will be announced by the end of this year.
