It's good news that's over 30 years in the waiting...the Town of Bienfait will finally be getting a new and improved wastewater system, and work has begun on the project.

"It's been a long time in the making. Since 1987, we've known that we had to do something with our lagoon system. Fortunately, this last year or so we've known about some government funding that's been available, we applied and thankfully were accepted, and we're going to have some help to put this project together," said Mayor Paul Carroll.

The funding breaks down into $1.43 million from the federal government and $715,250 from the provincial side, with the Town responsible for what's left of the $2.86 million total cost.

"For Bienfait, it means a chance to do some expansion. The Town has been restricted from growth because they didn't have the facilities to handle any. Now, with the expanded wastewater capacity, we'll be able to expand the boundaries of the town. There's been many opportunities that they've had to pass on over the years for expansion properties or whatever the case may be because the wastewater system couldn't handle any growth."

The new infrastructure will include a brand new 'wastewater handling system', located on the south side of Bienfait, and a pipeline running back to the lift station and a settling area for discharge. At this stage, crews are identifying the various utilities and completing surveys.

"We're hopeful that, by the end of 2018, this project will be wrapped up and finished, ready to put online," Carroll added.