The Town of Ste. Anne has received provincial funding to build the next section of its active transportation network. Through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities (Manitoba GRO) program, the government is contributing $354,000 toward a new walking and cycling path along Traverse Road. 

Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard said the project will make a difference for the growing community. 

“Ste. Anne is growing rapidly, and we are pleased to help bring a safe and accessible transportation route for seniors in the personal care home, students and everyone in Ste. Anne to live a healthy lifestyle and connect with each other,” said Simard. 

Local priorities align with government support 

Mayor Yvan St. Vincent said the funding helps address a need that has been raised often by residents. 

“Part of that was the discussion about the pathways that we need in town just to make sure students and everyone is safe, whatever destination they’re getting to,” he said. “This grant is a huge, huge help to make us maybe chip away even quicker than we anticipated.” 

Phase 2 of the Traverse Road project includes a new path extending south from Centrale Avenue to a grocery store that opened in 2024, as well as upgraded land drainage and storm sewers along the route. The path is part of Ste. Anne’s master recreation plan, which aims to connect different areas of town with safe routes for walking and cycling. 

Residents asking for connections 

St. Vincent said residents have been clear that they want better pedestrian and cycling access across the community. 

“People want to have good access all over the town. And I think that’s what also helps it kind of feel like that small town feel that you can get across one end of town to the other by just walking or on a bike,” he said. 

Program details 

The Manitoba GRO program is application-based and provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for municipal infrastructure projects related to renewal, innovation and climate resiliency. The deadline to apply for the 2025–26 intake is Oct. 6.