Brandon Takes Another Step Forward on Water Plant

Now that Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Brandon City Council have successfully secured funding from the province and the federal government, the City is taking the next step in upgrading and expanding its water treatment facility — so safe, clean water will keep flowing through Brandon families’ taps for years to come.

On July 17, City Administration will table a new proposal for City Council to secure $15 million in borrowing, which will unlock the most recent $15 million in matching funds announced by the Government of Manitoba.

“For generations, Brandon families have been able to count on clean, safe drinking water at home,” said Fawcett. “We owe it to ourselves and our children to keep that guarantee — when your kids turn on the taps to brush their teeth, or you fill your water bottle, you can be sure the water is clean, safe, and healthy.

“Upgrading our water treatment facility is necessary to meet provincial standards, so we can’t and won’t let this important project wait — our families’ health is too precious. And this new step of contributing an additional $15 million to unlock those matching funds from the province is an easy decision because we do not intend to leave provincial money on the table, and we do intend to keep this project on track.”

City Hall and City Council have worked effectively with federal and provincial governments to secure financial commitments, keeping Brandon’s share of the price tag down to about a third of the total cost of the new facility.

“I want to thank the Government of Canada and Government of Manitoba for coming to the table, listening to Brandon’s needs, and ultimately coming through with the funding we need,” said Fawcett. “We’re taking this big step forward so we can get shovels in the ground, and protect our families’ clean, safe drinking water now, and for years to come.”