Source: City of Brandon Media Release - July 7, 2023
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.”
The water from Brandon’s water treatment plant continues to be safe. The upgrades are required to meet provincial standards, including higher incoming standards.
The estimated cost of the final phase of the upgrade and expansion is $155 million. o Under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program the Federal Government has committed $46 million, and the provincial government has committed $53.33 million. The City of Brandon has previously committed $40.67 million.
A $15 million investment from the Province of Manitoba is contingent on Brandon matching that amount. This $15 million is a portion of the $53.33 million mentioned above. Therefore, in addition to the City of Brandon’s already authorized borrowing of $40.67 million for this project (by-law 7328); the City is tabling a by-law to borrow an additional $15 million (proposed by-law 7364). o The newest by-law caps the interest rate for borrowing at 7.5 percent — however, city administrators expect to pay substantially lower rates throughout the amortization of the loan.
The final phase of the Water Treatment Facility Upgrade and Expansion Project is expected to have a moderate impact on water utility rates, equal to about $10 per quarter for an average household.
Construction is targeted to begin in 2024.
The water treatment facility is located at 108 – 26th Street North and will still be in the same location after expansion.
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