Manitoba invests $11.4 million into supporting fire services

The Manitoba government in Canada is investing $11.4 million to support municipal fire services by funding 22 capital projects through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (GRO) program, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard.

Municipal and Northern Relations Minister, Manitoba, Glen Simard’s statement

Simard explained: “Our government is committed to ensuring every community in Manitoba has the tools and infrastructure needed to protect residents when it matters most.

“These investments strengthen front-line fire services, replace aging equipment and enhance emergency response capacity across Manitoba.

“By supporting municipalities in upgrading fire halls, acquiring modern fire trucks and improving preparedness, we are putting public safety first and ensuring firefighters can respond quickly and effectively when emergencies arise.”

The investment will support 22 approved projects, helping municipalities strengthen fire protection infrastructure and emergency response capacity, with:

• 14 projects focusing on the replacement and acquisition of fire trucks and other critical apparatus
• Six projects supporting the expansion, renovation and additions to fire halls
• Two projects strengthening community preparedness and emergency response capabilities

The approved 22 projects include funding for:

• The Rural Municipality (RM) of Ste. Anne, $1.7 million for the municipality’s fire department restoration project
• The RM of MacDonald, $725,000 for a rescue pumper replacement apparatus
• The City of Thompson, $1 million to design a new fire and emergency services facility
• The Town of Virden, $1.5 million for the addition and renovation of the Wallace District Fire Station
• The Town of Teulon, $600,000 for a new fire truck and pumping equipment.

reeve, RM of Ste. Anne, Richard Pelletier’s statement

Richard Pelletier, reeve, RM of Ste. Anne explained: “This $1.7-million investment will help the RM of Ste. Anne Fire Department upgrade essential vehicles and equipment, strengthening emergency response for our small rural community and the many travellers who rely on the Trans-Canada Highway which spans our municipality.

“We appreciate the Manitoba government’s recognition of the critical role rural emergency services play in keeping people safe.”

Manitoba GRO

Manitoba GRO is an application-based program designed to help municipalities advance critical infrastructure that will support growing and sustainable communities.

For 2025-26, funding of up to $42 million is being made available through Manitoba’s annual Rural Strategic Infrastructure Basket, delivered under the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund.

Manitoba GRO is available to all Manitoba municipalities located outside Winnipeg.

The program supports infrastructure projects under the key investment themes of renewal, innovation and climate resiliency.

Manitoba invests $11.4 million into supporting fire services: Summary

The Manitoba government in Canada is investing $11.4 million to support municipal fire services by funding 22 capital projects through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (GRO) program, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard.