The Manitoba government is investing $11.4 million to strengthen municipal fire protection across the province through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (GRO) program.
The funding, announced by Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, will support 22 projects aimed at enhancing emergency response and upgrading aging infrastructure in communities outside of Winnipeg.
Boosting emergency response capacity
“Our government is committed to ensuring every community in Manitoba has the tools and infrastructure needed to protect residents when it matters most,” said Simard. “These investments strengthen frontline fire services, replace aging equipment and enhance emergency response capacity across Manitoba.”
Projects range from the replacement of fire trucks and critical apparatus to fire hall expansions and emergency preparedness initiatives.
Fourteen of the funded initiatives involve purchasing new fire vehicles, while others will support fire hall renovations or bolster local emergency readiness.
Support for rural and northern communities
Communities receiving funding include the Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne, where $1.7 million will go toward restoring the local fire department. In the Town of Virden, $1.5 million has been allocated to expand and renovate the Wallace District Fire Station. Meanwhile, in the City of Thompson, $1 million is earmarked for designing a new fire and emergency services facility.
Reeve Richard Pelletier of the RM of Ste. Anne said the funding will allow the community to upgrade essential vehicles and equipment, which is especially critical given the municipality’s location along the Trans-Canada Highway.
The GRO program, which is available to all municipalities outside of Winnipeg, is part of Manitoba’s Strategic Municipal Investment Fund. For 2025-26, up to $42 million will be available through the fund’s Rural Strategic Infrastructure Basket.
The province says GRO investments focus on renewal, innovation and climate resiliency, with the aim of building strong and sustainable communities.
