Released on December 17, 2001
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have committed more than $1.2million in funding to 14 infrastructure projects in communities across the
province.
Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale on behalf of Ron Duhamel,
Minister of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of State (Western Economic
Diversification) (Francophonie) and Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs and
Housing Minister Ron Osika today announced additional projects funded
through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP).
"The first year of the CSIP has been successful in addressing the
infrastructure needs of many urban and rural municipalities, including
water quality and wastewater treatment issues," Goodale said. "The
Government of Canada looks forward to helping many more municipalities over
the next few years so they can provide their residents with an improved
quality of life."
"We are pleased to provide resources through the Canada-Saskatchewan
Infrastructure Program that will ensure sustainable futures for
Saskatchewan communities by helping them to grow while protecting the
environment," Osika said.
Five northern communities will receive $931,084 for infrastructure
projects. Construction has begun on upgrades to sewer and water systems in
Missinipe, Brabant Lake and Cumberland House, improvements to the local
landfill site in La Ronge and a boat launch facility in Stony Rapids.
CSIP funding worth $279,304 will be spent to upgrade water and sewer
systems in the Village of Spruce Lake, Zelma, Consul, Herbert, Marshall,
Saltcoats, St Gregor, Viscount and Wilkie.
These projects will receive the remaining funds available through the
Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program this year and bring the total
federal-provincial investment thus far to just over $33 million for 91
projects. Applications for next year's funds have been received and are
currently being reviewed by the Project Review Committee. The committee is
made up of individuals representing Municipal Affairs and Housing, Western
Economic Diversification Canada, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities
Association, Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and
Saskatchewan Association of Northern Municipalities.
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of
the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities
provide the remaining one-third of project costs making the program a
unique partnership between all three levels of government with
infrastructure investments of more than $170 million in Saskatchewan
municipalities over five years.
The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green
municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades,
solid waste management and recycling and improving the energy efficiency of
buildings owned by municipal governments.
Other priorities under the program include local transportation
infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure
supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed
Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.
Federal funding for these projects was provided for in the December 2001
budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
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For more information, contact:
Cathie Kryzanowski Joanne Mysak
Municipal Affairs and Housing Western Economic Diversification Canada
Regina Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 787-8890 Phone: (306) 975-5942
WD Toll-Free No: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)