KIPLING OPENS WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Released on June 26, 2003

People in Kipling have improved drinking water today thanks to an upgraded water treatment plant supported by the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Ron Osika and Kipling Mayor Ed Varjassy today celebrated the opening of the water treatment plant. The $1,536,000 construction project was announced in May 2001. The federal and the provincial governments each provided $464,000 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) while the village contributed $608,000.

"The Government of Canada congratulates Kipling on its commitment to improve its water system and, as a result, the quality of life of its residents," Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) Stephen Owen said. "WD works in partnership to help urban and rural communities to implement activities promoting sustainability."

"The co-operation of the people of Kipling, 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 Kipling's success."

"Safe drinking water is probably the most important responsibility of a town and is often a huge challenge in rural Saskatchewan," Mayor Varjassy said. "With the help of the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, we were able to proceed with this project. Our goal of having a safe, reliable supply of drinking water has now been achieved."

This project included expanding the water treatment plant and reducing turbidity and trihalomethanes levels, which had exceeded maximum acceptable levels set by Saskatchewan Environment. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are chemical byproducts that are formed when surface water sources do not have enough of the naturally occurring organic matter removed in the filtration process. The aging pumps and electrical systems were upgraded and the raw water pipeline modified to increase capacity to meet projected future demand.

This is the third 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. During the first three years of the program, more than $84 million in federal and provincial funds have been announced for 295 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 and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8890 Email: aanderson@graa.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)535-3069

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942 Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca