The Rural Municipality of St. Clements is pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is investing $5.875 million toward Phase 3 of the Regional Sewer System Expansion Project.

This investment represents a major milestone in building the infrastructure needed to support responsible growth, protect the environment, and strengthen regional partnerships throughout the Red River corridor.

What is Phase 3?

Phase 3 is the final stage of the Regional Sewer System Expansion. The project includes:

• Construction of a sewer outfall from the East Selkirk Lagoon to the Red River, including work beneath the CEMR rail line and Henderson Highway.
• Installation of tertiary wastewater treatment equipment at the East Selkirk Lagoon.
• Odour control improvements at the Lockport Lift Station.

Construction is currently forecast to begin in January 2027, with completion anticipated by December 31, 2027.

Why is this project important?

As our communities continue to grow, so does the need for reliable wastewater infrastructure.

This project will:

• Protect groundwater and the Red River by providing a higher level of wastewater treatment.
• Reduce reliance on aging septic systems in areas where they are no longer sustainable.
• Support responsible residential and commercial growth.
• Improve environmental protection by ensuring treated wastewater meets or exceeds modern federal wastewater regulations before being discharged.

Supporting Future Growth

The Regional Sewer System Expansion is critical to meeting the RM’s long-term housing needs.

Once complete, the upgraded system will provide capacity for approximately 4000 housing units, creating capacity for future growth while supporting a variety of housing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will existing residents with septic systems be required to connect immediately?

No. The project provides the option for existing properties to connect to a low-pressure wastewater system as service becomes available. Any future connection requirements would be determined through municipal by-laws and would be communicated well in advance.

Will there be additional odours?

The project includes odour control improvements at the Lockport Lift Station to help mitigate potential impacts for nearby residents.

Who is paying for the project?

The Government of Canada is contributing $5.875 million toward the project.

The remaining project costs will be funded by the RM of St. Clements through reserve funds and a future borrowing by-law, which will be considered by Council through the public process.

Will this increase my taxes?

The RM plans to finance a portion of the project through a borrowing by-law. Any impacts to property taxes or utility rates will be determined as part of that future process.

Should residents be concerned about wastewater being discharged into the Red River?

No. The project upgrades the East Selkirk Lagoon to a tertiary treatment system, providing a significantly higher level of treatment than the existing system. The treated effluent will meet or exceed federal wastewater regulations before being discharged, providing improved protection for the Red River and surrounding ecosystems.

The RM of St. Clements thanks the Government of Canada for its investment in this important regional infrastructure project. Together, we are building the foundation for sustainable growth while protecting the environment for future generations.