The governments of Canada and Manitoba announced funding for the Birtle Transmission Line, linking Saskatchewan to Manitoba’s green, renewable energy.
This project will help Manitoba Hydro build a 230-kilovolt transmission line from Birtle South Station in the Municipality of Prairie View to the Manitoba–Saskatchewan border 46 kilometres north-west. Once completed, the new line will allow up to 215 megawatts of renewable hydroelectricity, which is currently surplus to the needs of Manitobans, to flow from the Manitoba Hydro power grid to the SaskPower power grid.
“Today’s announcement is a great example of co-operation between the provincial and federal governments as we move towards a greener electricity system for all Canadians,” said Reg Helwer, Manitoba’s Minister of Central Services. “We are very pleased that Manitoba Hydro’s Birtle Transmission Project is among the first projects to receive funding under the Canada Infrastructure Program, and we would like to thank both levels of governments for recognizing the importance of the project as we strengthen ties with our neighbours in Saskatchewan.”
Increasing Manitoba’s interconnection to Western Canada’s power distribution grid will establish greater stability for energy supply, while keeping energy rates affordable for the province. Manitoba’s clean hydroelectricity is a vital element of Saskatchewan’s efforts to reduce cumulative greenhouse gas emissions in that province.
“Today’s announcement is a great example of co-operation between the provincial and federal governments as we move towards a greener electricity system for all Canadians,” said Jay Grewal, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “We are very pleased that Manitoba Hydro’s Birtle Transmission Project is among the first projects to receive funding under the Canada Infrastructure Program, and we would like to thank both levels of governments for recognizing the importance of the project as we strengthen ties with our neighbours in Saskatchewan.”
The Government of Canada is investing more than $18.7 million, and the Government of Manitoba is contributing more than $42 million, in this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan.
