Steinbach City Council has given final approval to a $6.5 million upgrade to Lift Station 1, a key part of the city’s wastewater infrastructure. The decision came Tuesday evening during the July 2 council meeting, where councillors passed third reading of Bylaw 2255, enabling the project to move forward.
The project includes the construction of approximately three kilometres of new force main along Park Road West, connecting Lift Station 1 to the city’s lagoon system. It also involves substantial upgrades to the lift station itself to ensure it can handle the increased load.
Lift stations are used in municipal sewer systems to move wastewater from lower to higher elevations, especially in areas where gravity flow is not sufficient.
Project aims to support future growth
“The project will increase our general sewer system capacity,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra. “Obviously we know there's going to be more growth in the future and it adds some additional redundancy or a bit of a safety factor to the city's existing sewer system network.”
The project is being funded through a local improvement plan. A portion—approximately $2.75 million—will be financed through borrowing, to be repaid over five years in accordance with city policy. The remainder will come from reserve funds and other sources.
Support for the project
City Manager Troy Warkentin explained that the plan and its accompanying bylaw had been submitted to the Manitoba Municipal Board for review. The board has since approved the proposal, clearing the way for council to give final reading.
Councillor Susan Penner also voiced her support during the meeting.
“It’s really important we're proactive with projects like this,” said Penner. “We've seen other communities where their growth and development has stopped when they can't handle the water and sewer that's being created. So it's really important that we stay ahead of that.”
City council passed the motion unanimously, with Zwaagstra moving approval and Penner seconding.
With all approvals now in place, the city can begin preparations to tender and schedule the work. A start date has not yet been announced.