Released on July 18, 2002
Secretary of State Stephen Owen (Western Economic Diversification) (IndianAffairs and Northern Development), Government Relations Minister Ron Osika,
Public Works and Government Services Canada Minister Ralph Goodale and
Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco today announced more than $30.5 million in federal,
provincial and municipal funds to be spent on three projects over the next
four years to upgrade Regina's infrastructure.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that a strong economy depends on the
ability of our cities and towns to provide access to resources like water
through up-to-date local infrastructure," Owen said. "Thanks to co-
operation among the three levels of government, we are able to announce
this improvement to Regina's water supply system. Using our financial
resources jointly, we can ensure the most benefit for Saskatchewan
citizens."
"The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is a great example of how
all orders of government can work together for the benefit of Saskatchewan
communities," Osika said. "The infrastructure projects in Regina reflect
the priorities of the program. Projects that protect our people and our
environment are our main concern."
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) will contribute $7.8
million over four years to the third and final phase of construction of a
second water pipeline from the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant to
Regina. As well, three new pumps will be installed and two existing pumps
will be upgraded. The total cost of this project is $14.5 million.
More than $6 million will be spent in seven major civic facilities to
increase energy efficiency. Upgrades to lighting, heating, ventilating, air
conditioning and fire protection systems will reduce energy use, greenhouse
gas emissions, maintenance and operating costs, and emission of
pollutants. This year the CSIP will contribute more than $1 million and
additional $1 million in 2005-06.
"Today's projects are significant not only in terms of total dollar value,
but in the benefit of providing a reliable source of quality water and
reducing energy consumption for considerable annual savings for the city,"
Goodale said. "They also illustrate the diversity of the Government of
Canada's investments in our green infrastructure priorities - from water
supply and quality to energy savings - we're fulfilling our national goals
of clean water and air."
Earlier this spring an additional $2.1 million in CSIP funds was announced
toward a $10 million dollar water meter replacement project. Federal,
provincial and municipal funds will be allocated over the next four years
to replace approximately 54,000 existing water meters in residential and
light commercial locations. At the same time, equipment will be installed
for automatic meter reading using a drive-by radio reading system.
"The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program has a great impact on the
City of Regina," Fiacco said. "This program is an example of the good
things that can happen when the three levels of government team up for the
betterment of our community. The City of Regina embraces the opportunity
for growth in our partnerships with the provincial and federal governments."
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program provides up to two-thirds of
the eligible costs of community infrastructure projects. Communities
provide the remaining minimum one-third of project costs making the program
a unique partnership between all three orders of government. Including
today's announcement, more than $32.3 million in federal and provincial
funds will be spent on the projects approved so far this year.
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.
Funding for these CSIP projects was provided for in the December 2001
federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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For more information, contact:
Cathy Gourlie Joanne Mysak
Government Relations and Western Economic Diversification
Aboriginal Affairs Canada
Regina Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 787-5959 Phone: (306) 975-5942
WD Toll-Free No: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Trish Bezborotko
Public Affairs Officer
Corporate Services
City of Regina
Phone: (306) 777-7908