Infrastructure dollars flow at area

Canada and Saskatchewan Fund 28 Projects to Improve Water, Wastewater and Transit Infrastructure Across the Province

Investing in public infrastructure helps ensure that Canadians and their families have safe water to drink, wastewater systems they can rely on, and high-quality public transit systems that get them to work on time and back home safely at the end of a long day. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are once again making investments that will help create well-paying jobs and grow the middle class now while building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.

Recently, Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations and Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs, announced more than $38.6 million for 28 new projects across Saskatchewan through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund and the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund. The federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of funding – more than $19.3 million – while the province is investing more than $8.9 million. Local municipalities are contributing the balance of more than $10.3 million.

Local area projects under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund include; Town of Esterhazy for a Sewer Force Main Upgrades and Lagoon Planning Study ($850,000), a lagoon upgrade with the Town of Ituna ($65,000), a water treatment plant upgrade for the Town of Kelvington ($575,000), Water Treatment Plant & Reservoir upgrade with the Village of Tantallon ($192,500), a sewage lagoon upgrade with the Village of Stockholm ($582,759).

These investments are part of the bilateral agreement between Canada and Saskatchewan announced on September 16, 2016, and are in addition to the $56.8 million in federal funding announced that day for 10 water projects and 12 transit projects.

“Infrastructure is the foundation of the Canada we all want to build for tomorrow,” Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities said in a release. “This latest round of water and wastewater projects will protect the environment and keep our communities healthy and liveable and will create well-paying jobs for the middle class. Equally important, the people of Moose Jaw and Prince Albert will benefit from an efficient, comfortable and modern public transit system that will get them to their destination quickly and safely.”

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to join with our federal and municipal partners to announce funding for 28 water, wastewater, and public transit projects across the province,” Government Relations Minister Donna Harpauer said in the same official release.  “These investments allow for continued growth in Saskatchewan communities and will improve quality of life for years to come.”