The federal and provincial governments have agreed to help pay for the potential replacement of an aging heating plant and lift station in Flin Flon.
Some details had yet to be finalized, but through the Small Communities Fund (SCF) both levels of government are willing to contribute $1.32 million for a total of $2.64 million.
The City of Flin Flon would be required to provide $1.32 million of its own, but the city is now reviewing the cost of the project before deciding on next steps.
Though the city applied for funding through the SCF, it is not obligated to proceed with the project. The project will only proceed if the city commits its one-third share of the funding.
The project would replace Flin Flon’s heating plant no. 3, located on First Avenue across from the former Flin Flon Hotel, as well as a lift station.
According to an Infrastructure Canada press release, the heating distributes drinking water and provides heating to protect against waterline freezing.
Both the heating plant and lift station provide service to about 141 homes and 94 businesses.
Flin Flon city council first heard about the funding through questions from the media at their meeting on Tuesday, August 4.
Mayor Cal Huntley welcomed the news but said council would need more details before offering comment.
The SCF is an initiative of the New Building Canada Plan. The fund provides for $1 billion for projects located in communities of fewer than 100,000 people.
The Flin Flon project is one of four infrastructure developments in northern Manitoba to receive funding last Friday, July 31, two days before the federal election campaign got underway.
Other northern Manitoba projects receiving support include a water and wastewater line replacement project in Snow Lake, infrastructure renewal in The Pas and a sewer extension in Churchill.
Further south, water treatment plant upgrades in Waterhen, Camperville and Duck Bay are also eligible for support.
– With files from Libby Stoker-Lavelle
