Neepawa calls for boost in funding to Manitoba Water Services Board

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

For years, Neepawa, like many other municipalities across the province, has asked for support from the Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB). But now, it’s the Board itself that is asking for a significant show of support.

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Town Council voted unanimously to support a resolution from the Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association. The resolution urges the provincial government to increase its’ annual budget to the Manitoba Water Services Board’s from $24 million to $100 million.

The Water Services Board helps municipalities to fund water and sewer projects through a 50-50 cost-sharing program. This process has been very good for Neepawa over the past decade, as it has helped cover the costs of several major water and sewer system expansions and renovations.

In their letter to councils across Manitoba, The Water Services Board noted that it had received 346 applications from 103 municipalities in 2025, for projects valued at $1.35 billion.

Recognizing this issue, the Town of Neepawa is joining other municipalities in calling on the province to significantly increase its’ funding for water and wastewater projects. Council voted unanimously in favour of sending a resolution to the province, stressing how crucial it is for municipalities to stand together in their advocacy.