An iconic Manitoba family destination will benefit with close to $5 million invested in its protection, Premier Greg Selinger announced yesterday.
“ The seawall at Winnipeg Beach suffered extensive damage due to recent severe weather events and the province answered the call for help, ” said Premier Selinger. “ We recognize how important Winnipeg Beach is to residents and visitors, and we are proud to announce our commitment to repairing the community’s seawall.”
A severe storm over May long weekend caused major damage to the community’s protective seawall. The premier noted the seawall provides protection for the community’s beach and famed boardwalk along with the main business section, the Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park campground and other critical infrastructure.
Funding will allow for immediate repairs to the seawall with capital funding also approved to make additional improvements in 2016, the premier said.
“ By undertaking these repairs, the Manitoba government is ensuring our community’s continued viability as a tourism and business destination ,” said Mayor Tony Pimentel, Winnipeg Beach. “ This project will allow for future public and private investments thanks to the increased protection the repaired seawall can offer from storms and flooding.”
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship is now in the process of hiring an engineer to oversee the project. Once an engineer is in place and has submitted a design, the project will be put out for tender, the premier said.
Construction can then take place throughout the winter months so the most critical parts of this project can be completed in the current fiscal year, Premier Selinger said, noting the remainder of the work will be finished the following fiscal year.
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