A $3.5 million project in the City of Warman to upgrade drainage infrastructure in areas prone to surface flooding is one of 10 projects iin Saskathcewan to benefit from funding through the Provincial-Territorial stream of the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).
Funding for the upgrades is shared by three levels of government, with the feds providing $1.4 million, the province contributing $1,155,550, and the city responsible for $933,450.
The funding was announced October 13 following a trip to Otttawa by Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz and several Saskatchewan municipal leaders to meet withfederal leaders as part of the province’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure programs.
According to a provincial news release, this ‘Team Saskatchewan approach’ has resulted in positive outcomes. Through this advocacy, communities across Saskatchewan will benefit from improved water, wastewater, drainage and sewer infrastructure that will help support housing growth, community development and economic opportunities, following a joint investment of more than $73.5 million from the federal and provincial governments.
“Strong, reliable infrastructure is essential to the health, growth and long-term success of communities across Saskatchewan,” Rural Development Secretary of State Buckley Belanger said. “By working together with our partners, we are helping communities address critical infrastructure needs while supporting new housing, economic opportunities and a strong quality of life for residents.”
“Infrastructure investments are an important piece in building and sustaining growth across Saskatchewan,” Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. “People raise their families and businesses in Saskatchewan because of our strong economy, our vibrant people and our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth. We are excited that these projects are moving forward so residents can benefit from modern, reliable infrastructure that make our communities strong and safe now and for generations to come.”
Funding will support Phase 1 of the City of Yorkton’s Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal Project, including upgrades to the H.M. Bailey Water Pollution Control Plant’s Headworks facility to increase treatment capacity and improve environmental outcomes. The project will also support future housing and economic growth in Yorkton, including the potential development of the equivalent of 7,150 additional housing units.
In the Town of La Ronge, the existing sanitary sewer system along Bedford Drive and Louis Road will be extended to support the construction of two residential apartment buildings. The project will enable approximately 124 new housing units through the installation of 860 metres of sewer main connecting the sites to the nearby sewage pumping station.
Several additional communities will also benefit from improvements to essential services that will support growth, including Shellbrook, Arcola, Estevan, Swift Current, Big River, Naicam and the RM of St. Louis.
Under CHIF, the federal government will provide $187.9 million and the provincial government will provide approximately $155 million to address housing-enabling infrastructure priorities.