Steinbach’s $7.4 Million Water & Sewer Upgrade: A Boost for Growth and Flood Resilience
Steinbach residents can gaze forward to improved water and sewer capacity as the City Council officially awarded a tender for the Forcemain Twinning project on Park Road West. The $1.49 million contract, awarded to Southwood Ventures Inc., is significantly under the initial $2.4 million engineer’s estimate and will be partially funded by a grant from the Manitoba Water Services Board.
Doubling Capacity to Meet Demand
The project involves installing a second pipe alongside the existing one, effectively doubling the capacity of the system between Lift Station 1 and the lagoon. Mayor Earl Funk emphasized the long-term planning behind this initiative, stating it’s been a priority for years. This increased capacity is crucial for supporting Steinbach’s rapid growth, one of the fastest in the country.
The Forcemain Twinning is the first phase of a larger $7.4 million undertaking that includes upgrades to Lift Station 1. The second phase, slated to go to tender this spring, will focus on facility improvements and increased pumping capacity.
Province Steps Up with Funding
Securing provincial funding was a key hurdle. After being denied for three consecutive years, the Manitoba Water Services Board has now committed to covering half of the total project cost. This demonstrates the province’s recognition of Steinbach’s growth and infrastructure needs.
Addressing Drainage Concerns and Future-Proofing the System
The upgrade isn’t just about accommodating growth; it’s as well about improving the city’s resilience to severe weather events. Councillor Susan Penner highlighted recent drainage challenges following heavy rainfall, underscoring the urgency of the project. While the full impact won’t be known until after testing, the increased capacity is expected to alleviate pressure on the system during peak flows.
Mayor Funk noted that What we have is part of a broader strategy to address drainage and flooding concerns, with additional projects planned to further reduce strain on the city’s sewer system in the coming years.
Construction Timeline and Next Steps
Construction is expected to begin once the ground has thawed. The city awarded Associated Engineering a $529,789.89 contract in November 2024 to design the Lift Station 1 upgrades and the Force Main twinning project. The forcemain component installation is now underway, with the lift station upgrades to follow shortly after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a forcemain? A forcemain is a pressurized pipe used to transport wastewater from lift stations to treatment facilities.
What is a lift station? A lift station is a facility that pumps wastewater uphill when gravity alone isn’t sufficient.
How will this project impact residents? Residents may experience some temporary disruptions during construction, but the long-term benefits include improved service reliability and reduced risk of flooding.
What is the timeline for completion? The Forcemain Twinning is expected to be completed in 2026, with the Lift Station 1 upgrades following soon after.
Where is Lift Station 1 located? Lift Station 1 is located at 246 Park Rd W in Steinbach.
What is the lagoon? The lagoon is located at 615 Park Rd W in Steinbach and is where wastewater is treated.
Did you know? The initial plans for this project were included in the city’s long-term capital plan as early as 2021.
Learn more about Steinbach’s infrastructure projects on the city’s official website.
