The Town of Gravelbourg was recently announced as the recipient of around $2.5 million from the government as a part of a $45 million investment into green infrastructure and public health for 14 community projects.

The grant will decommission the iconic water tower and replace essential water mains on 1st Avenue/Highway 43, Main Street, Bettez Street, and 7th Avenue. 

Carol White, chief administrative officer for the Town of Gravelbourg, is looking forward to beginning the much-needed improvements for the community. 

"We're thrilled, we do have a lot of underground infrastructure issues due to age and this is going to help us take care of some of those," said White.

Despite the ageing structure of the water tower, it's been a nostalgic staple in the community for many years. "There's mixed feelings, it's got a big piece of our municipality," White added.

The provincial government is funding $1,406, 279, while the federal government is paying $1, 171, 782, and the Town of Gravelbourg is required to come up with the final $937, 636. 

"We have been approved through the municipal board for a million-dollar debenture, we're working on the details for that and we'll be issuing a bylaw," said White when asked how the Town plans to fund their portion of the funding.

The grant was applied for back in 2022 and preliminary designs are in the works this year, the execution of the project could extend into 2025 or even 2026.

"Thanks very much to both the federal and provincial governments for recognizing our need and approving our grant application," White concluded.