Released on August 4, 2005
Regina's ability to handle runoff from intense summer storms will be improved with a total investment of $9 million from all three levels of government to upgrade the city's drainage and wastewater systems. This funding is one of the first investments provided through the new Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (C-S MRIF) that was signed on January 14th, 2005.Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) Stephen Owen, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Mark Wartman on behalf of Government Relations Minister Len Taylor and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco announced funding for the improvement project today. The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute $1.7 million each over two years, while the City of Regina will provide the remaining $5.75 million.
"Through the New Deal for Cities and Communities, the Government of Canada is working together in partnerships to help Regina and other communities develop and implement local solutions," Goodale said. "With this Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund upgrading, Regina residents can meet future storms with some peace of mind knowing that the damage such storms can cause will be minimized."
"The Government of Canada recognizes that it is increasingly challenging for Regina and other urban municipalities to meet infrastructure demands related to population growth and aging infrastructure systems," Owen said. "This is why we are committed to a New Deal for Cities and Communities that allows all cities and communities to develop a vision of where they will be in 30 years and how to get there from here."
"Saskatchewan's $1.7 million investment in the Regina, Drainage and Wastewater upgrade is part of our government's commitment to fund municipal and regional infrastructure for our communities," Wartman said. "The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund enables our municipalities to plan, finance and deliver on their infrastructure priorities, with an emphasis on local input."
"Thanks to this funding, along with the three orders of government and the community working together, we can now complete the necessary improvements to maintain Regina's drainage and wastewater systems and help reduce the risk of property damage," Fiacco said. "Continuing to improve community infrastructure reflects City Council's long range vision for Regina as a city recognized for its economic, social and environmental sustainability."
The federal and provincial governments are investing $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which could raise the total infrastructure investment to $152 million.
Community projects undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the provincial Environmental Assessment Act.
For more information on the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs, visit www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml or www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in Budget 2005.
Backgrounder Attached
Municipalities seeking more information should contact the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Joint Secretariat at (306) 787-7414.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Joanne Mysak Western Diversification Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942 | Maureen Boyle Government Relations Regina Phone: (306)787-5959 |
Lisa Wilson-Sturm City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7486 |