CSIP FUNDS MAIDSTONE WATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Released on May 30, 2003

People in Maidstone are on their way to having an improved water supply system today thanks to support from the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

Saskatchewan Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag on behalf of Government Relations Minister Ron Osika and Maidstone Mayor Leona Huxley today cut the ribbon to officially launch the town's water improvement project.

The federal and the provincial governments are providing $845,290 each through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP), while the town will contribute $1.37 million. The $3.06 million new water source and supply project will be completed in two phases. Phase one, a groundwater inspection and environmental site assessment, is complete. Phase two includes two wells, a pipeline, a storage facility and water treatment plant improvements. This project will eliminate community concerns over water capacity, poor water quality and depleted wells.

"The Government of Canada is committed to partnering with communities to help them improve their quality of life," Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) said. "The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program enables us to invest in projects that are community priorities and to provide up-to-date infrastructure systems like the new water supply project."

"The co-operation of the people of Maidstone, the federal government, and the provincial government has made this project possible," Minister Sonntag said. "A safe supply of abundant water is essential in ensuring the sustainability of Saskatchewan communities and we are proud to be a part of the team contributing to Saskatchewan's wide open future."

"The Town of Maidstone would like to thank the provincial and federal governments for partnering with our community," Mayor Huxley said. "The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure program made this important project possible."

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