August 03, 2006

Gimli—Construction of the new $15-million waste water treatment plant for the Gimli municipality is well underway, Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton announced today. 

“There are many positive developments that will contribute to restoring the health of Lake Winnipeg and this new waste water treatment plant for the Town of Gimli and surrounding area is an important part of the solution,” said Ashton.  “We need the co‑operation of individuals and governments.  We are acting on several fronts, from legislation and research to international relations, to improve water quality in the lake and reduce the inflow of harmful material.”

“Canada’s new government is proud to be a partner in this facility that will significantly improve the treatment of waste water for Gimli and surrounding areas, while reducing the flow of harmful waste into Lake Winnipeg,” said James Bezan, member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake, on behalf of Carol Skelton, minister of national revenue and minister of western economic diversification.  “This project will help ensure continued community health and improved quality of life for Manitobans.”

The existing waste water treatment plant, operated by the municipality, is over 50 years old and is often operating at capacity.  The town also operates a lagoon, adjacent to the beach.  Plans were developed in the late 1990s to upgrade the waste water treatment facility, which would process town and rural waste water.

“We are pleased to see the project underway with the support of the provincial and federal governments,” said Gimli mayor Kevin Chudd.  “The new waste water plant will be developed in phases and will have improved capacity and up-to-date nutrient reduction capability.”

The total cost of the upgrading, including decommissioning of the lagoon, is estimated at $15 million.  The first phase involved construction of a pre-treatment facility and a truck dump station at a cost of $4.9 million.  The provincial government and the municipality each provided $2.1 million toward the new waste water treatment system and $700,000 was provided by the federal government.

The second phase is now underway and comprises secondary treatment including nutrient reduction.  The $8-million cost is shared equally between the province and Gimli.  The new facility is expected to be operational in the summer of 2007.  The third phase will include decommissioning the town lagoon and is expected to begin in 2007.

The minister noted the province recently provided $100,000 to the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium to support the lake quality research vessel Namao.  Other Lake Winnipeg restoration actions include: 

·         efforts to secure an advanced filter at the Devils Lake outlet;

·         strengthening the on-site sewage and waste-disposal regulation;

·         creating the Department of Water Stewardship;

·         developing key pieces of legislation including the Drinking Water Safety Act, the Water Protection Act and strengthening the Ground Water and Water Well Act;

·         creating the Office of Drinking Water;

·         establishing regulations, certification and training programs for all water and waste water treatment operators;

·         investing $80 million in water and sewer systems;

·         creating and enhancing the Riparian Tax Credit to help protect sensitive land bordering waterways; and

·         supporting scientific research on Lake Winnipeg beach water quality and continuing a clean beaches program to educate and encourage the public and municipalities to help keep beaches clean.

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