April 18, 2024 - Stay tuned for future updates!
Last updated May 25, 2022
UPDATE ON WASTEWATER PROJECT
Stanley has been working in partnership with Winkler on the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility for the last number of years. This facility would provide capacity to allow for growth in the corridor as well as a new wastewater collection system to be constructed in Stanley which would convey the wastewater to the new treatment facility.
Stanley Council had originally planned to present the wastewater proposal to Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld for a collection system back in late 2019, however there were numerous delays and setbacks throughout the process. After we worked through those setbacks, we were then ready to provide the wastewater proposal to the two communities in spring of 2022.
Winkler recently announced that the tender for the new wastewater treatment facility has now been cancelled due to escalating costs and without a sustainable funding model in place to manage the additional costs. (See Winkler’s announcement here)
With Winkler’s announcement, what this means to Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld is that the wastewater collection system planned in Stanley (including Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld) will also be delayed until we can move forward with Winkler on expanded wastewater treatment capacity.
Once there is an approved plan for expanding the wastewater treatment capacity then we will be able to continue with our collection system project for new developments and will then also be able to present a wastewater proposal to the existing villages. At this point we do not have a time frame for this.
This project has had many hurdles along the way, and we will continue working closely with Winkler and the Province on moving a wastewater project along so that our communities can continue to grow.
RM of Stanley Council
Last updated June 25, 2021
The RM of Stanley is investing in a new regional wastewater project to support continued growth and provide more capacity for current residents. Here’s a brief overview of what is planned and how the community would benefit.
Project Scope
The hub of the project is an extension of the wastewater treatment facility northeast of Winkler. The City of Winkler will take the lead on expanding the facility, and the RM of Stanley will become a partner by purchasing a portion of the facility’s treatment capacity. Stanley will also build the conveyance systems to move wastewater to the plant from new developments.
Beyond wastewater treatment, the project will improve the region’s ability to deal with solid sewage. A new septic truck receiving station will be constructed to provide more capacity to handle solid sewage from homes and businesses in the region.
This project will also provide funding and capacity for a wastewater conveyance system to be installed within the existing communities of Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld. The RM will hold community consultations before deciding whether to proceed with this part of the project.
Why the system is needed
Stanley is an attractive location for new residential and commercial developments. This growth strengthens our municipal tax base – and in turn, makes it possible for local services to keep improving and becoming more efficient.
However, our region needs additional waste management solutions so new developments can continue to locate and grow here, particularly in light of increasing provincial restrictions on septic fields.
This project would help in three ways:
- An answer to our shortage of solid sewage capacity: The project would include a septic truck receiving station that will divert sewage from Stanley’s current septage lagoon, which is nearing capacity.
- An immediate solution for new developments: Under provincial regulations, traditional septic fields can be installed for new developments only if the size of each property is two acres or more. Many new developments are based on efficient use of land with lots under two acres in size – therefore, new properties require an efficient and affordable alternative to septic field systems.
- A long-term solution for existing residents: As government regulations continue to increase, many existing communities cannot rely on onsite septic fields as a permanent solution. Provincial regulations don’t allow a straightforward replacement of traditional septic fields on lots under one acre. This means most homes will need an alternative waste management solution in time.
Funding
With government grant and borrowing approvals now in place, the RM will move forward with Winkler to expand the wastewater treatment facility.
In the coming year, the RM will move forward with tendering and constructing the forcemain and lift stations to service new development opportunities.
The RM will also consult with Reinfeld and Schanzenfeld residents on the option of installing a wastewater conveyance system to serve existing homes in these villages. In-person group information meetings are being planned for summer/fall of 2021.
If you have questions
The latest information is available on the project webpage www.rmofstanley.ca/p/wastewater-project or from the RM office:
204-325-4101
