ASSINIBOIA RECEIVES FUNDS FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITY

Released on June 8, 2001

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will provide more than $1.5

million to assist with the upgrade of Assiniboia's wastewater treatment

facilities.



Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale on behalf of Ron J.

Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of State (Western Economic

Diversification) (Francophonie) and Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins, on

behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Ron Osika, today announced

funding support through the Canada - Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program

(CSIP).



Construction will include a two-phase sewage lagoon redevelopment and

expansion project. The CSIP will provide $1,032,384 this year and an

additional $561,904 next year for the project.



"It is local governments that know the needs best in their areas and I am

pleased the town administration applied through the program for assistance

in upgrading a vital community infrastructure," Goodale said. "With the co-

operation and investments of three levels of government, we can increase

the contributions to protect the environment and enhance the quality of

life for residents of Assiniboia and area."



The sewage lagoon development will allow Assiniboia to increase service

capabilities to accommodate a growing residential and industrial

population. As well, this construction will improve the town's ability to

comply with regulatory requirements for the treatment of liquid waste.



"This project reflects the priorities of the Canada-Saskatchewan

Infrastructure Program. Projects that protect our people and our

environment such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid

waste management and recycling and improving the energy efficiency of

buildings owned by municipal governments are our main concerns," Higgins

said.



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.



The Canada - Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) is a five-year

program that will result in infrastructure investments of at least $170

million in Saskatchewan municipalities. The program provides up to 2/3 of

the eligible costs associated with community projects. Communities provide

the remaining one-third of project costs.



"The Town of Assiniboia is very pleased to be chosen to participate in the

Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program for the development of a new

sewage treatment facility," Mayor Renaud Bissonnette said.



This year $24 million combined federal and provincial funding has been

allocated to 86 Saskatchewan municipalities.



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For more information, contact:



Cathie Kryzanowski Joanne Mysak

Municipal Affairs and Housing Marketing and Communications

Regina Western Economic Diversification

Phone: (306) 787-8890 Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 975-5942



WD Toll-Free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)



WD World Wide Web site:

English - http://www.wd.gc.ca

French - http://www.deo.gc.ca



For more information on the Canada Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program:

Canada Infrastructure Program: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ino-bni

Municipal Affairs:http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/canada_infrastructure.shtml