Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister for PrairiesCan, Minister for CanNor and Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface-Saint-Vital, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services, announced more than $31.6M in funding for four infrastructure projects in the Berens River area.
More than $20.4 million in joint federal and provincial funding will be allocated to two projects to repair and rebuild primary and secondary roads in the Berens River area. Most of the road network will be rehabilitated, including approximately 20 kilometres of on-reserve roads and 13 kilometres of provincial roads. These investments will improve road quality and driver safety and facilitate the delivery of goods and services.
Berens River First Nation will also benefit from more than $5.6 million in federal funding to construct an arena/multiplex in the community. The new infrastructure, designed to be energy-efficient, will house a 37,200 square feet hockey rink and 5,500 square feet of multi-purpose space. It will offer community members a place to gather, be active and play sports.
A federal investment of more than $5.5 million will also go towards upgrading the Berens River First Nation water treatment plant. The infrastructure upgrades include the extension of the electrical system, mechanical equipment and reservoir and the replacement of the water intake. These upgrades will increase access to potable water and accommodate the long-term growth of the community
The Government of Canada is investing over $26.7 million in these four projects. The Government of Manitoba is contributing more than $4.9 million towards the restoration of provincial roads, and Berens River First Nation is contributing over $7.2 million.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
