Richer needs sewer if it’s to grow: reeve

RM of Ste Anne residents have until May 2 to fill out a five-question survey on a potential sewer system for Richer.

A feasibility study ordered by the RM and the Manitoba Water Services Board on wastewater services in Richer was completed by Tetra Tech last year and is also available online with the survey. Residents can also bring their answers in to the municipal office or Burnell’s Food Plus.

It includes a geotechnical investigation, assessing population projections over 20 years, developing a conceptual sewer system for Richer, providing lagoon-based wastewater treatment options, and recommendations with capital cost estimates.

An upgrade has been a longtime discussion, according to Reeve Richard Pelletier.

“Eventually to make the town grow, they need a better sewage system,” said Pelletier.

People in Richer now use a mix of septic tanks and septic fields.

This works in less dense communities with smaller populations, but an expensive upgrade is needed if there is to be growth in the community. There has been no financial commitment from the RM to build that system yet as it surveys thoughts from the community first.

“At the end, if the majority say yes we want it then we’re going to try to get funds from the provincial and federal (governments) to make this happen,” said Pelletier.

“It’s not going to happen next year.”

The study states that Richer has grown by about two percent per year for the last 10 years. There are now over 600 people living in Richer.

The study also says that the RM has received new subdivision applications, but they are all with lot sizes of at least two acres because provincial regulations require that for homes with on-site septic services.

Pelletier said more growth is needed to boost industry and services like schools, senior homes and daycares, but that growth under current conditions comes with concerns for drinking water quality.

“When it’s concentrated too much, we want to prevent the water from getting contaminated by sewage,” said Pelletier.

“And if we want more manufacturers and industry around, we need a better sewage system.”

The reeve said the demand to live in a small town has only gone up recently.

“A lot of people want to be in the country. After COVID, people realized they want space,” said Pelletier.

The reeve believes many are also moving back to rural Manitoba after living elsewhere, and thousands have seen what Richer has to offer when coming to events like the Richer Rodeo and witnessing the community spirit that draws the volunteers needed to put on such a big show in a small town.

They also want to be within driving distance to Winnipeg, he said.

“And the RM, Richer and the town of Ste Anne, we have a perfect location on (the Trans-Canada Highway),” added Pelletier.

The study recommends a second lagoon treatment facility that would serve a new Richer sewer system and service rural areas on the east side of the RM. The estimated total construction cost is just under $20 million.

It recommends building in phases. For the wastewater collection system, the main trunk could be constructed first along Dawson Road, connecting 74 residences and Richer School to the lagoon facility with branches to be added as funding allows. A location for the lagoon has not been chosen, though two sites were investigated: one north of Highway 1 off Road 45E, and the other south of Dawson Road off of Road 41E.

The reeve said he has had feedback on the proposal.

“The people who don’t want it are very vocal about it. Nevertheless when we look at the whole scheme of people, I think it’s still doable.

“We’re going to do what people want at the end. It’s their town,” said Pelletier.