WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPENS IN GOODSOIL

Released on October 6, 2003

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

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag, on behalf of Government Relations Minister Ron Osika, and Goodsoil Mayor John Purves today celebrated the opening of Goodsoil's upgraded water treatment plant. The $357,000 construction project was announced in April 2002. The federal and the provincial governments each provided $119,133 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) while the village contributed $119,134.

"When the Government of Canada makes infrastructure investments in Goodsoil and other rural communities, we are working to improve the quality of life for all Canadians," Secretary of State Stephen Owen said (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs Northern Development). "We will continue to provide safe, healthy drinking water through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program."

"The co-operation of the people of Goodsoil, the federal government, and the provincial government has made this project possible," Minister Sonntag 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 Goodsoil's success."

"Thanks to the Canada Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, the Village of Goodsoil now has some of the best drinking water around," Mayor John Purves said. "Without this grant, we would not have been able to afford such a huge undertaking."

Goodsoil's new water treatment plant will permit flocculation, coagulation and sedimentation to occur, which are necessary steps to ensure water safety. Goodsoil was under a Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory when it applied to the CSIP. The advisory was lifted in July 2003 when the upgraded water treatment began operation.


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 298 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)975-5472 Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca