Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1497129
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023 5 maintenance of Manitoba's highway and water infrastructure has also been increased by more than $11.5 million. Climate resiliency is another one of the identified key strategic investment categories. The department is currently undertaking several major projects to enhance the resiliency of critical trade corridors. Almost one-third of the $4.1 billion, five-year plan is targeted towards building or upgrading infrastructure to withstand the impact of severe weather events and to prevent highway closures during major floods. Expanding Manitoba's trade and commerce grid is another key priority. This initiative will strategically increase the kilometers of provincial highways built to support Manitoba's heaviest highway loading. The trade and commerce grid encompasses more than 7,000 km of provincial roads, representing 36.5% of Manitoba's all-weather provincial road network. Of the grid routes, approximately 86% now support heavy loading, with upgrades planned for the remaining 14%. Provincial investments in the grid will result in immediate, short-term and long- term economic benefits for all Manitobans. Expanding the provincial highways capable of supporting maximum commercial truck weights will help create well-paying jobs. Decreasing the number of trips required to transport goods reduces transportation costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The completion of the grid will attract new industry and optimize the efficiency of supply chains. Manitoba is home to CentrePort Canada, Canada's first inland port. Our provincial contribution of $40 million will help support its growth and development while initiatives such as the Rail Park reinforce our vision to make Manitoba a true national and international trade hub. Northern Manitoba's success is essential to our province's long-term economic sustainability and leading the development of Western Canada's northern trade corridor from the Rockies to Hudson Bay. Manitoba's vision and strategy to invest in northern economic trade routes forges a more prosperous future for northern communities and all Manitobans. Manitoba is contributing $74 million in capital support over two years for the Arctic Gateway Group to aid significant upgrades to the Hudson Bay Railway, a vital transportation link in northern Manitoba. Our government is also looking at other northern-based multi-utility corridor proposals leading to Hudson Bay, at the request of, and in partnership with, Indigenous communities to support economic reconciliation. Manitoba's economic prosperity is intrinsically linked to our provincial highway network. The province's commitment to strategic infrastructure investments, the Winnipeg One Million Perimeter Freeway Initiative, climate resiliency and the trade and commerce grid will improve the efficiency and reliability of our road-based supply chains. Canada's premiers know the importance of trade and infrastructure and its role in growing the economy and each is addressing priorities within their own province. What is missing is a national strategic plan. Together with the federal government we can revitalize our trade enabling infrastructure to benefit from the opportunities before us. Construction of PTH 10/Daly Bridge in Brandon. MTI photo Earth Max Construction Inc. Phone: 204-344-5760 Fax: 204-480-1683 info@earthmax.ca www.earthmax.ca Stony Mountain, MB Site Development | Sub-divisions | Road Building | Surface Water Management | Retention Ponds | Wastewater Stabilization Pond Construction & Maintenance | Sewer and Water Services | Excavation Services Granular Supply | Custom Hauling