KINCAID OPENS WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Released on January 24, 2003

People in Kincaid have safe drinking water today thanks to a new water treatment plant provided by the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Ron Osika, Public Works and Government Services Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), and Kincaid Mayor Roger Morgan today celebrated the opening of the water treatment plant. The $708,656 construction project was announced in April 2002. The federal and the provincial governments each provided $138,751 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) while the village contributed $431,154.

"The co-operation of the people of Kincaid, the federal government, and the provincial government has made this project possible," Osika said. "Safe water is essential in ensuring the sustainability of Saskatchewan communities and we are proud to be a part of the team contributing to Kincaid's success."

"The Government of Canada recognizes the tremendous importance of our communities having good quality water provided by up-to-date infrastructure systems," Goodale said. "We are pleased to partner with the provincial and municipal governments to invest in projects that are community priorities and that enhance the quality of life for all Saskatchewan residents."

"We have been struggling with a quality and quantity problem for years culminating in a drinking water advisory for the past two and a half years," Mayor Morgan said. "Thanks to the patience of the community and the financial support of both the provincial and federal governments, we have been able to completely redesign our water supply system and guarantee a sustainable drinking water supply for the foreseeable future."

In May 2001, the village received $277,800 in Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program funding for the construction of a new well. While this addressed quantity issues, the village's old water treatment plant was not adequately treating the water, resulting in the precautionary drinking water advisory. The village then determined that building a new treatment plant was cheaper than upgrading its old facility.

This is the second year of the five-year Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program that will see an investment of more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds in Saskatchewan municipalities. In the second year, more than $33 million in federal and provincial funds have been announced for 143 projects. The program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs associated with community projects. Communities provide the remaining minimum one-third of the project costs.

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

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For More Information, Contact:

Ann Anderson Government Relations Regina Phone: (306)787-8890

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942