The Manitoba government has announced that it is investing more than $9.45 million in eight bilingual rural municipalities to upgrade fire protection services, critical infrastructure and recreation services.

“Manitoba municipalities play a major role in delivering critical community infrastructure,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “These investments will improve fire protection, upgrade vital infrastructure and enhance recreational spaces. With the leadership of our municipal partners, these projects will make Manitoba’s bilingual communities safer, more vibrant and better places to live for future generations.”

“We thank the Manitoba government for its support of these strategic municipal infrastructure projects, which are essential to the vitality and prosperity of our francophone and bilingual communities,” said Ivan Normandeau, president, Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities. “These investments go far beyond simple capital projects – they form the foundations on which our communities build their future and leverage their bilingual advantage. We firmly believe that strengthened intergovernmental collaboration is key to advancing these shared priorities and ensuring Manitoba’s bilingual municipalities have the tools they need to fully serve their residents.”

The eight projects funded through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program include:

  • Le Rendez-Vous Community, Culture and Recreation Campus in St. Pierre-Jolys – $5 million;
  • Rural Municipality (RM) of De Salaberry, renovation of De Salaberry Recreation Facility – $1.5 million;
  • RM of Ritchot-Île des Chênes, construction of Fire Station – $1.37 million;
  • RM of Taché, rehabilitation of Poirier Bridge – $312,500;
  • RM of Piney upgrade to the fire tanker – $315,000;
  • Town of Ste. Anne, phase 2 construction of Traverse Road active transportation – $354,438;
  • RM of St. Laurent for a fire truck – $472,500; and
  • RM of La Broquerie, recreation infrastructure renewal in Marchand Park – $120,000.

“Our council has worked diligently to improve public services for the RM of St. Laurent residents and ensure their safety and security during challenging times,” said Richard Chartrand, Reeve of the RM of St. Laurent. “This new fire truck will protect our community and help our dedicated volunteer fire department support surrounding communities during times of crisis. Our municipality looks forward to the ongoing partnership with the Manitoba government on future projects.”

Manitoba GRO supports critical infrastructure projects that promote growing and sustainable communities. The program provides one-time grants available to all Manitoba municipalities located outside Winnipeg. In 2025-26, up to $42 million will be available through Manitoba GRO.