Winkler has approved its share of the financing of a new proposed wastewater treatment facility.

City councillors passed a bylaw this week that will allow the community to borrow a maximum of $10.5 million dollars to help finance the $49 million dollar project. That money would be paid back by the city over 15 years with annual installments of $983,318.

The move will result in an average property tax increase of $128 a year over that 15 year period on a home with an average assessed value of $250,000.

"I need to emphasize the fact that this is all about future growth," says Mayor Martin Harder. "As we continue to add to the tax base in Winkler those per household (tax) dollars actually come down. These numbers are based on what's current because that's what a financial plan has to be based on, however, as we continue to grow we'll begin to see less per household."

The other partners include the Rural Municipality of Stanley which had committed $2.8 million toward the project and the two senior levels of government. The province's share in the initiative will be $19.2 million and the federal government is expected to contribute $16 million, but no official announcement on that funding has been made yet. Harder is hopeful an announcement will come this year.

"That's why we had to do this bylaw. It's part of the process because, in order to be eligible for the funding, both the province and the feds need to know that we have the capacity in place to be able to do this project."

Harder points out the wastewater treatment plant is directly connected to the future growth of the community and is an example of how city council continues to look forward and not behind.

"I believe we have demonstrated that we're responsible and we will continue to be, moving forward."