The Selinger government is rolling out a $320 million plan to reduce algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg caused by runoff and floods.
It includes a variety of strategies involving flood mitigation, regulations and retention of wetlands to prevent harmful nutrients from entering the lake
Most drainage licenses will no longer be granted for permanent and semi permanent wetlands. In cases where there is no choice but to drain the wetlands, property owners must make up for the loss elsewhere.
"We will not be getting 100 applications every year to drain seasonal wetlands," said Conservation Minister Gord Mackintosh.
The plan also promises to cut red tape for farmers who need to fix minor drain and culvert issues. On the flip side, the provincial government is promising to crack down on illegal draining with spot audits and increased fines.
The Selinger government says the five-year strategy is part of the $5.5 billion infrastructure plan, courtesy of the PST hike.
