Nine northern SK communities receive funding to upgrade drinking water, wastewater systems
- EFN Staff
Funding for two water and wastewater projects in northern Saskatchewan to improve people’s quality of life, protect waterways, and position communities for growth was recently announced.
On September 5, 2019, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Jonathan Wilkinson announced on behalf of Minister of Infrastructure and Communities François-Philippe Champagne. Provincial Secretary Todd Goudy also spoke on behalf of Government Relations Minister and Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Lori Carr.
“Modern efficient water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to maintain a healthy environment and ensure a high quality of life for Canadians,” said Wilkinson in a media release. “These investments in Saskatchewan will help close the gaps in services and ensure everyone has access to clean drinking water, reliable services and cleaner waterways for years to come.”
The projects serve nine communities in Northern Saskatchewan of Creighton, Cumberland House, Denare Beach, Green Lake, Île-à-la-Crosse, Michel Village, Buffalo Narrows, Timber Bay, and Weyakwin will soon benefit from new or upgraded drinking water and wastewater systems that will increase service reliability and provide high-quality drinking water to an increased number of households and businesses.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $17.6 million and the Government of Saskatchewan is investing more than $16.8 million toward these projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan. Together this represents an investment of more than $50 million. Funding recipients are responsible for the remaining project costs.
“The Government of Saskatchewan’s $16.8 million investment in these projects will ensure they move from concept to reality, strengthening our province’s northern communities and also improving the quality of life for residents across the province,” Goudy said. “These significant investments display our government’s commitment to providing high quality services to the people of Northern Saskatchewan.”
The funding will also support a variety of water, wastewater, waste management and road infrastructure projects in Langenburg, Kerrobert, Francis, Waldheim, and the Rural Municipality of Foam Lake, Duck Lake, Battleford, Shaunavon, Rural Municipality of Browning, Drake and Highway 55 Waste Management Corporation.
Eleven other infrastructure projects across the province were highlighted.