The GNS reservoir expansion project currently underway in the Municipality of Rhineland continues to progress.

Located at the intersection of PTH 30 and PR 421 south of Altona, the 2,000 cubic meter underground reservoir is designed to ensure a two-day supply during the high season 20 years down the road, As well, the tank will boast a feature that further removes trihalomethanes from the water supply, and exceeds the 40-year life span of an above-ground tank.

"The rebar for the concrete slab is complete and the pouring of the cement is happening this week. The wall forms are expected to arrive next week," outlined Reeve Don Wiebe, adding the project is expected to progress quite quickly with a targetted completion date of the end of August.

Meantime, Wiebe says the Plum Coulee lift station renewal project continues to progress behind the scenes.

The Municipality and Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) are splitting the cost of upgrades to the River Avenue and Arena Road facilities 50/50.

"Just recently Manitoba Water Services Board recieved the bids and our engineering firm, after reviewing the bids, recommended that the contract should be awarded to Black and McDonald Ltd, they were the lowest cost bid," explained Wiebe, noting work is expected to begin shortly.

The terms of the deal include completing the two projects by March 31, 2022.

According to Wiebe, the two upgraded lift stations will accommodate growth in Plum Coulee East, and allow the 37-lot development planned for the south side of town to move forward unimpeded.