The Manitoba government announced $512,500 in funding Wednesday to bolster fire protection services in two Interlake municipalities. The Rural Municipality (RM) of St. Laurent will receive $472,500 for a new fire truck, while Winnipeg Beach gets $40,000 for a specialized truck for its rescue boat. The grants fall under the province’s $42-million Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunity (GRO) program.
Funding for fire safety upgrades
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard says the investment ensures first responders have “the equipment they need to protect Manitoba families.”
“We’re proud to support municipalities to purchase new fire trucks and equipment that will keep you safe,” Simard says.
Securing funding for a critical upgrade
Reeve Richard Chartrand of the RM of St. Laurent explains the years-long effort to replace the municipality’s fire engine, which is nearing its operational limit. Council began reserving funds and pursuing grants in 2022 after quotes revealed a new truck would cost nearly $950,000.
“We applied for the GRO application for $472,000 and were pleased to find out we were successful,” says Chartrand. “One of the conditions was that we could match that amount… When the fire truck is ready, we’ll be more than able to match the grant.”
The RM’s existing reserves and annual contributions will cover its share, with delivery expected by 2027. Winnipeg Beach, meanwhile, will use its $40,000 grant to purchase a truck capable of towing a 16-foot rescue boat for water emergencies.
Overcoming supply chain hurdles
Chartrand notes the challenges of navigating tariffs and U.S. supply chain delays. Council fast-tracked a chassis deposit by March 4 to lock in costs, with the truck’s specifications tailored to St. Laurent’s needs, including wildfire and structural fire responses.
“We’re hoping [the deposit] did keep the costs relatively low,” he adds. “We’ll never know until the final payment… but we’re optimistic it’ll be completed before the expected two-year timeline.”
Collaboration with province drives progress
The reeve credits persistent advocacy with provincial leaders for securing the funding. He regularly emphasized St. Laurent’s needs to former Municipal Relations Minister Ian Bushie and current Minister Glen Simard.
“I would make myself known and kind of be a burr on their side,” Chartrand continues. “I believe they got the message… I’m very glad Minister Simard made that announcement.”
New truck features enhanced firefighting tools
The 2026-model fire truck will include a front-bumper nozzle for immediate water deployment while awaiting backup—a critical upgrade for rural crews often first on-scene.
“The driver… can start pushing water onto the fire scene immediately,” Chartrand says. The existing truck will remain operational as a secondary vehicle once the replacement arrives.
The GRO program has allocated $424.3 million provincewide for infrastructure since 2024, with Budget 2025 further increasing municipal support through gas tax allocations.