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Possible Reinfeld/Schanzenfeld Extension

Last updated June 25, 2021 

Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld will have the opportunity to be part of the RM of Stanley’s new regional wastewater project, which will serve future developments near the two villages. 

The extension project will proceed only if enough current residents agree this would be a good opportunity for their communities.  

Here’s a brief overview of what is proposed.

Properties the extension would serve

If the extension moves forward, the RM would install a conveyance system to move wastewater from existing homes in Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld.  

Map of Proposed Extension to Schanzenfeld

Map of Proposed Extension to Reinfeld

Project costs

The federal and provincial governments have confirmed an infrastructure grant that would cover up to 73% of the regional wastewater project costs, including a possible extension through the current Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld communities.

With this grant, the RM’s cost to build an extension through these communities would be reduced to $1.6 million. This cost would be funded through connection fees from participating properties

 

Project costs 

Total Cost

Grants

RM Portion

TOTAL INVESTMENT

$5.9 million

$4.3 million

$1.6 million

 

How the system would work

The system would use a low-pressure sewer (LPS) model, which is considered the most appropriate approach for a community of this size and density.

This is a type of sewer where liquids are pumped from your septic tank directly into a wastewater pipeline, eliminating the need for a septic field. The homeowner would still require a pump and septic tank.

LPS systems are common in municipalities where there is less housing density, larger properties and high water tables, and where the sewer is being installed within an existing community.

These systems are more affordable for property owners in lower-density areas. They typically cost about one-third the cost of a gravity system. LPS pipes can be installed using a tunneling method that requires minimal excavation, which means less disruption to roads, utilities, trees and landscaping than with gravity sewer systems typically found in urban areas.

Other communities using or installing LPS systems include the RMs of Headingley, Rhineland, Macdonald, Portage, St. Clements and St. Andrews.

 Current status of the project

The RM is finalizing a detailed project proposal for Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld. The proposal will address concerns raised by residents in our 2019 community survey, including the need for manageable costs and timelines.  

If the Reinfeld-Schanzenfeld extension moves forward, one of our goals is to provide far more flexibility as to when existing homes would be required to hook up to the new system. We have asked the Manitoba government to extend the time frame beyond the usual five-year window. 

We are also exploring ideas to help property owners reduce and manage all costs – for example, through discounts for early hook-up, financing assistance and options to defer most costs.

Next steps

The next phase of community consultation will begin in the summer of 2021, when the RM will present the project proposal for Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld.

Please note: Early in 2021, there was a Public Hearing about borrowing for the regional wastewater project. This hearing is in no way related to whether or not the RM should install wastewater conveyance in the existing villages of Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld. 

How to learn more

We sincerely appreciate the comments we’ve received to date, and look forward to your continued feedback.

If you have questions, you can read the FAQ's below. You can also sign up for the Connect e-newsletter to ensure you get the latest news.

You can contact the RM office by emailing info@rmofstanley.ca or calling 204-325-4101.

FAQs - Reinfeld-Schanzenfeld extension


No, this decision will be made only after thorough consultation with the residents of Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld.  As we move forward with the regional project, we will present a separate proposal for these communities, and then ask residents how they would like to proceed.

There are three reasons: 1) The main conveyance systems for the new regional wastewater project will extend to the fringes of Schanzenfeld and Reinfeld – therefore, there will be an opportunity to bring the service to existing homes in these two villages. 2) We know many homes may be unable to replace their septic fields in the future, and this system could provide a solution. 3) If we act now, the project cost would be reduced by 73% because we have been successful in obtaining a federal/provincial infrastructure grant. 

The RM is continuing to develop a proposal with a focus on the priorities, needs and concerns raised by residents during the first phase of consultation. A more detailed proposal will be presented to the community in the summer/fall of 2021. At that point, we will once again ask for community feedback.

The RM is exploring different ways of keepings costs low and providing plenty of flexibility for financing and hook-up timing. Our federal/provincial infrastructure grant would cover 73% of the costs, and the RM could further reduce the cost to property owners through early hook-up discounts and options to defer most costs for several years.

We recognize the need for flexible options, and know that not all residents would want to connect. With this in mind, the proposal would outline a range of options.


 

See maps above.

If a wastewater system was available, provincial regulations would require that the next owner connect. A connection fee put on the property taxes would remain on the property taxes regardless of who owned the property.

There would be no requirement to do anything specific with it. You could use that portion of your back yard for whatever you like.

A low-pressure sewer system is consistent with the approach taken in other communities with similar population density and land usage. It’s the right fit for the RM, and can typically be installed at one-third the cost of a gravity system. The pipes can be installed using a tunneling method that requires minimal excavation and less disruption to roads, utilities, trees and landscaping than the gravity sewer systems typically found in urban areas. A low-pressure sewer requires septic tank and pump to be maintained by property owner.

This is a type of sewer where the effluent (liquids) are pumped from your septic tank directly into a main wastewater pipeline, which then pumps it out to the wastewater treatment plant. low-pressure sewer systems are common in municipalities where there is less density and larger properties than in most cities and towns, where water tables are high and where sewer is being installed within existing developed communities.

Low-pressure sewer systems are operating or proposed in many Manitoba municipalities, including: 

  • RM of Headingley 
  • RM of Rhineland 
  • RM of Macdonald 
  • RM of Portage 
  • RM of St. Clements 
  • RM of St. Andrews