Canada and Manitoba partner to build communities strong

WINNIPEG, MB, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building a strong Canada starts with investing in the infrastructure that people and communities rely on every day.  

To that end, the governments of Canada and Manitoba have finalized two agreements under the Provincial and Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund to build and renew infrastructure in Manitoba.  

Manitoba will receive $479.8 million to support infrastructure projects and priorities related to housing and post-secondary education over 10 years, as well as $218.4 million in health infrastructure funding over three years, which will complement existing federal health-related support. 

As part of these agreements, Manitoba has committed to encouraging housing development by not increasing any fees or taxes that hinder housing supply. 

The modern and reliable infrastructure built through these agreements will help unlock more housing, support post-secondary education, and improve health care.  

Today's announcement includes significant federal support for the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWPCC) in Winnipeg, a project that will help accommodate the City's future growth, support housing development, and reduce nutrients released into Manitoba waterways.

To that end, the federal government is investing $500 million to support Project 3 of NEWPCC through the Direct Delivery and Provincial and Territorial (PT) streams of the Build Communities Strong Fund. This builds on previous commitments of $116 million under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for the headworks and power supply component of Project 1 and $367 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for Project 2, which includes new Biosolids Facilities.

The federal funding is the last piece needed for the final phase of the NEWPCC project. Manitoba announced $500 million for the final phase in August, roughly one-third of the estimated $1.5 billion total cost. Manitoba has been a committed partner in all stages of the NEWPCC upgrade. Manitoba was proud to sign a Build Communities Strong Fund agreement with the federal government, as a signal of both governments' joint commitment to make this project a priority.

Manitoba will receive $82.3 million in 2026-27 through the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. This stable, predictable funding supports local infrastructure priorities identified by communities, including investments in water systems, transportation networks, and community facilities. 

The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come. 

Quotes

"The Build Communities Strong Fund is building infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations. By partnering with Manitoba, we are building stronger, safer, more connected communities for all Manitobans."

The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency

"Investing in critical wastewater infrastructure is essential to Winnipeg's future. The federal investment in the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades will help us build more homes, accommodate industrial growth, protect Lake Winnipeg and help keep water rates affordable for Winnipeg families and businesses."

The Honourable Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South

"Manitobans know the North End Water Treatment Plant is a significant project that opens the door to more affordable housing in our capital city, supports the health of Lake Winnipeg and drives economic activity for our province. That's why our government has stepped in with provincial support at every phase and negotiated with the federal and municipal governments to keep NEWPCC a priority. Today's investments are more assurance this project can be delivered on time and on budget."

The Honourable Glen Simard, Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations

"This is a historic investment from the federal government in Winnipeg's future. It will help us complete the largest infrastructure project in our city's history, protect Lake Winnipeg, and support thousands of new homes and jobs. It will also allow us to freeze water and sewer rates in 2027, which is a huge win for affordability. This is what we can accomplish when all three levels of government work together."

His Worship Scott Gillingham, Mayor of Winnipeg 

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is investing a total of $698,294,000 as part of the housing, post-secondary, and health infrastructure agreements through the Provincial and Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. The federal government is contributing $500,000,000 through the Direct Delivery and Provincial and Territorial streams to support the third phase (3A and 3B) of the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWPCC) upgrades in Winnipeg.
• The Provincial and Territorial stream is an allocation-based stream that provides funding to provinces and territories to support new and renewed public infrastructure. The allocations consist of a base amount for each province and territory, combined with a per capita calculation using 2021 Statistics Canada Census data.
• Under the Provincial and Territorial stream, a minimum of 20% of the overall funding allocations will go towards projects in rural, northern, and Indigenous communities.
• The Build Communities Strong Fund is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation. Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver funding through three major streams:
  • A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
  • A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years, including $1 billion over 4 years as part of a Local Impact Stream that is being delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support community infrastructure projects with local impact; and,
  • A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years and, is indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
• The North End Wastewater Treatment Plant (NEWPCC) upgrades are being delivered through three distinct projects:
  • Project 1 - Headworks – upgrades to raw sewage pumping, screening and grit removal;
  • Project 2 - Biosolids – enabling the transition of sludge (a byproduct of wastewater treatment) into biosolids, which can then be reused as nutrient dense fertilizer; and
  • Project 3 - Nutrient removal – treating and removing nutrients from wastewater and collecting and pre-treating sludge before it is sent to the biosolids facility
• Project 3 is made up of two project components that together will:
  • Improve treatment processes that reduce the amount of nutrients released into waterways and implement wet weather flow treatment technology
• The Buy Canadian Policy is an important part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. It will help ensure that more of every public dollar goes right into the Canadian economy – creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities. Under the finalized Housing and Education-related infrastructure agreement, Manitoba will implement its provincial policy equivalent, the Buy Manitoban Buy Canadian Policy.
• The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will also boost Canada's GDP by $95 billion over the next decade. 
• Federal funding is conditional on the signing of the contribution agreement, and on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations. 

Associated Links

• Build Communities Strong Fund
• Prime Minister Carney launches the Build Communities Strong Fund and announces the first tranche of projects

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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Communications and Engagement, Government of Manitoba, [email protected]; Media Inquiry Line, City of Winnipeg, 204-986-6000, [email protected]