Ten projects will improve water, wastewater, sewer and drainage infrastructure across Saskatchewan, including a La Ronge project aimed at supporting new housing development.
Communities across Saskatchewan are set to receive more than $73.5 million in joint federal and provincial funding for infrastructure projects aimed at supporting housing and community growth.
The investment includes $40.1 million from the federal government and $33.4 million from Saskatchewan through the Provincial and Territorial Agreement stream of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. Ten water supply and wastewater infrastructure projects will receive support.
“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.”
Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said infrastructure investment is an important part of supporting growth across Saskatchewan.
“People raise their families and businesses in Saskatchewan because of our strong economy, our vibrant people and our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth,” Schmalz said. “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.”
La Ronge project to support new housing
In La Ronge, sanitary sewer infrastructure along Bedford Drive and Louis Road will be extended to support the construction of two residential apartment buildings.
The project will include 860 metres of sewer main connecting the development sites to a nearby sewage pumping station and is expected to enable approximately 124 new housing units.
The project is receiving $643,800 from the federal government, $536,446 from Saskatchewan and $429,254 in municipal funding.
“This funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan through the Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund, combined with the Town of La Ronge’s contributions, will help realize a significant housing project for the community that will go a long way in alleviating the existing housing shortage,” La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski said.
Hordyski said the development will also provide accommodations for people coming to work in the community, including those connected to the new long-term care facility and regional RCMP detachment.
Yorkton receives major investment
In Yorkton, funding will support the first phase of the Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal Project.
The project will increase the wastewater treatment capacity of the H.M. Bailey Water Pollution Control Plant’s Headworks facility. It will receive $20 million federally, $16.665 million provincially and $13.335 million from the municipality.
“This is a significant day for Yorkton. This funding represents the largest grant our city has ever received and allows us to begin the Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal Project, the largest infrastructure project in Yorkton’s history,” Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle said.
Projects across Saskatchewan
The funding will support infrastructure work in 10 Saskatchewan communities.
In Arcola, the work includes new municipal wells, a water treatment plant and related water infrastructure, while Big River will expand its municipal water and sanitary sewer systems. Estevan will see an expansion of its wastewater pumping, storage and sewer infrastructure.
Shellbrook will upgrade its existing water treatment plant, while Swift Current will construct a new water transmission main aimed at improving capacity and reliability.
Meanwhile, Warman will undertake drainage improvements in areas prone to surface flooding.
Naicam will develop an infrastructure master plan to guide decisions through 2050, while the RM of St. Louis No. 431 will study options for upgrading or expanding the Bellevue lagoon.
The remaining projects include the sewer extension in La Ronge and the first phase of Yorkton’s Water Pollution Control Plant renewal.