The Manitoba government has announced a $915,000 investment in a major water infrastructure project in Arborg as part of a broader $4.3-million commitment to water and wastewater improvements in rural communities across Manitoba.
The funding, provided through the Manitoba Water Services Board, supported Arborg’s $2.4-million watermain renewal and secondary supply well project.
According to the province, the completed project renewed approximately 1,080 metres of watermain, replaced valves and hydrants, and included the construction and mechanization of a new groundwater supply well.
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard said the investment reflects the province’s commitment to ensuring reliable water and wastewater services for Manitobans.
“By partnering with municipalities, we are strengthening critical infrastructure, supporting local development and improving quality of life for families and businesses across the province,” Simard said in a June 8 news release.
Town of Arborg chief administrative officer Cindy Stansell said the project was identified through a comprehensive water and sewer system assessment and upgrading study completed in 2021 by engineering firm WSP in collaboration with the Manitoba Water Services Board.
“The study provided a comprehensive review of the town’s water distribution system and identified critical infrastructure priorities required to maintain reliable service for residents and businesses both now and into the future,” she said.
The project addressed two major priorities identified in that review: the replacement of aging watermains and the creation of a secondary water supply well.
Stansell said portions of the town’s older cast-iron watermain infrastructure had reached the end of their useful life, while the assessment also identified the need for a backup water source.
Prior to the upgrades, Arborg’s water system relied on a single production well. While the existing system continued to provide safe drinking water, the town faced risks associated with depending on a single source of supply.
“The secondary well is one of the most significant components of the project from a long-term operational perspective,” Stansell said. “Having a reliable standby water source reduces the risk associated with depending on a single well and helps ensure continuity of service for residents, businesses, institutions and emergency services should an unexpected failure occur.”
The new well also strengthens the town’s ability to meet water demands during peak usage periods and enhances emergency preparedness, she added.
Mayor Peter Dueck welcomed the provincial contribution, noting the importance of maintaining essential infrastructure.
“This investment in Arborg’s water infrastructure helps ensure residents and businesses continue to have access to safe, reliable drinking water for years to come,” Dueck said in the provincial announcement. “We appreciate the Manitoba government’s support as we continue to strengthen essential services and support future growth in our community.”
According to Stansell, replacing aging watermains will help reduce the likelihood of breaks, service interruptions and costly maintenance, while the overall project improves the reliability and resilience of the town’s water system.
She said the investment also positions Arborg for future residential and commercial development by ensuring the community has dependable infrastructure in place to support growth.
Had the work not proceeded, the town would have faced increasing risks related to aging infrastructure, rising repair costs and the possibility of service disruptions, Stansell said.
Provincial officials said investments in water and wastewater infrastructure are intended to improve system reliability, support community development and ensure long-term access to safe drinking water throughout rural Manitoba.
According to a provincial spokesperson, projects funded through the Manitoba Water Services Board are evaluated using criteria aligned with Manitoba’s Water Management Strategy. Considerations include protecting public health and the environment, addressing regulatory requirements, enhancing climate resilience, supporting economic development, promoting water conservation, incorporating innovative technologies and engaging Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
The spokesperson noted the Manitoba Water Services Board received 375 project applications from 101 municipalities and water co-operatives in 2026, representing an estimated $1.56 billion in infrastructure needs across the province, excluding Winnipeg.
Despite the demand, the board delivers approximately $100 million annually in municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects through a combination of federal, provincial and municipal funding.
Arborg was one of four completed projects highlighted in the province’s latest announcement. Other projects receiving support included sewer and water renewals in Emerson, water and sewer upgrades in Melita, and a rural water pipeline extension in the Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier.
The province contributed $4.3 million toward the four projects, which together are valued at more than $8.4 million.
The Manitoba government said it will continue working with municipalities to modernize essential infrastructure with a focus on long-term sustainability, public safety and economic resilience.
Other Arborg council highlights
Council’s May 13 meeting also featured discussion on several infrastructure, recreation and community development initiatives:
• Water treatment plant upgrades: Council is advancing plans for a filtration system upgrade at the town’s water treatment plant. The project was identified through a 2021 water and sewer system assessment and upgrading study, which found the current iron filtration system lacks the capacity to meet peak water demands and accommodate future growth. The project is estimated to cost approximately $1.5 million, with the town seeking provincial infrastructure funding to offset expenses.
• Arena ice plant replacement: Council is supporting the replacement of the aging ice plant at the Arborg and District Arena. The project, estimated at approximately $800,000, has been identified as a priority by the Arborg-Bifrost Recreation Governance Committee following concerns about the reliability of the existing system. Costs are expected to be shared equally between the Town of Arborg and the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, with both municipalities pursuing grant funding opportunities.
• Future recreation lands: Work continues to identify land for future recreation development near Arborg. The initiative is being undertaken through the regional recreation governance model and is tied to the planned personal care home project, which will occupy land currently used for recreation. The proposed site would support the future Arborg-Bifrost Outdoor Sports Complex and other outdoor recreation amenities.
• Main Street improvements: Council discussed the creation of a committee involving councillors, town staff and local business owners to help guide a Main Street Sidewalk Study. The review will focus on pedestrian safety, accessibility, connectivity and downtown beautification while supporting local businesses.
• Personal care home project: Council continues to participate in discussions regarding the proposed 59-bed personal care home for the region. Town officials say the facility would provide long-term care closer to home for local residents while creating an estimated 40 health-care positions and supporting economic growth in the region.
• Street Festival support: Council approved the closure of Main Street between River Road and Second Avenue for the Arborg Street Festival on Aug. 8 and granted a one-time exemption from the town’s noise control bylaw. Town officials noted community events such as the festival help drive tourism, support local businesses and foster community pride.
• Municipal policy update: Council recently repealed its 1987 Private Crossings and Drainage Ditches By-law and replaced it with a modernized policy that includes updated engineering standards, clearer application requirements, improved drainage protections and greater transparency for residents seeking driveway access or culvert approvals.
