Upgrading water infrastructure in Saskatchewan
By Adam Freill
Construction InfrastructureThe federal and provincial governments are providing more than $51 million for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across Saskatchewan.
Communities across Saskatchewan are upgrading critical public infrastructure through 34 projects after a joint investment of more than $51 million was made by the federal and provincial governments.
Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, Don McMorris, and Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, who made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, explaine that the projects being funded will ensure the continued availability of a safe and reliable drinking water supply and the effective treatment of wastewater for generations to come.
“From agriculture to energy production to hydration, water is essential to healthy and sustainable communities. That is why our government is proud to announce these investments to upgrade critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across Saskatchewan,” stated Vandal. “By improving access to essential services and amenities, we are enhancing the quality of housing and enabling communities to meet the critical infrastructure demands associated with growth. We will continue to work with partners to invest in projects that foster a better tomorrow for all Saskatchewanians.”
The Village of Craven will receive funding to improve its water treatment facility and systems to comply with federal and provincial regulations. Work will include the installation of two new water supply wells and the integration of two filters into the existing facility. These efforts will address current and projected water supply and treatment needs, providing residents with a source of safe drinking water.
Funding will also support the construction of a sewage lagoon spanning approximately 6.7 hectares in the Town of Vonda. The new structure will be situated within agricultural land, complying with current wastewater treatment regulations. This work will not only ensure the infrastructure needs of the community are met but will also support expansion and environmental protection.
The Town of Redvers will see upgrades to its water treatment plant. This will include substituting the current water treatment process with two systems that are better at removing contaminants. The facility will also add more water storage and a back-up power source, positioning it for growth.
“The value of these projects is so much more than dollars: it’s setting communities on a course for continued growth and renewal,” added McMorris. “As we move into spring construction season, this new and improved infrastructure will produce immediate and long-term benefits and build excitement within our communities as they continue to grow and protect the quality of life of their residents for generations to come.”
The funding being provided includes $27,903,582 through the federal government’s Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) and the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNCIS) of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The province is contributing $23,169,942 to the projects, while local recipients are providing $18,604,713 in funding.
