Recent government funding means the RM of Cartier can expand their rural water lines. Yesterday the federal and provincial governments announced funding for a total of 27 infrastructure projects throughout the province, including a total of $2.25 million for the expansion of the water system to 45 homes west of St. Eustache. The federal government's covering half of the cost, providing $1.5 million for the work, while the province will funding $750,000. Reeve Dale Fossay says it's exciting to be moving ahead with this work, noting it's been something the municipality has wanted to see since he started on Council 14 years ago.  

Reeve Dale Fossay

"We're very fortunate to be selected. We've had this project on our wish-list for many years. I feel it's ironic, because some of these folks live very close to the Cartier water plant, but will only be able to access it now after many years. It's very good news."

Fossay says the work has been something residents in the area have wanted for quite some time, noting they've had several inquiries over the last few months. He says if the tenders come in lower than expected, they may be able to further extend the lines into other parts of the municipality. Fossay notes they'll need to cover just 25 per cent of the cost, compared to the usual third required under previous agreements.

"It would not be financially feasible without the support of the two levels of government. Our allocation will match the provincial contribution of $750,000, so that will come from the connection fees, and possibly our reserve for those projects. It'll come from those two sources, but primarily from the connection fees."

He notes it won't be long to move forward with the work, as one of the conditions of the funding is that the work's complete by March 2018. He says they'll likely have the Manitoba Water Services Board go to tender as soon as possible, with the possibility of breaking ground this fall. However, he notes a majority of the work will be completed during the summer of 2017.