Released on April 3, 2007
North Battleford, Lloydminster and 13 nearby communities will benefit from a $5.5 million investment for infrastructure projects from the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Today’s announcement includes $1 million for the City of North Battleford to expand the capacity of its ground water treatment plant and upgrade roads in eight communities. In addition, four surrounding communities will receive funding to upgrade their water treatment plants and the City of Lloydminster and Town of Kindersley will use funding to improve their wastewater treatment systems.
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Saskatchewan Health Minister Len Taylor on behalf of Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen, announced the investment today.
“Canada’s New Government is working with other orders of government to get things done for the people of northwestern Saskatchewan by investing in road upgrades, water treatment and wastewater systems,” Ambrose said. “Our investment will improve quality of life and strengthen the infrastructure foundation in these 15 communities for years to come.”
“Today’s announcement of funding from the province of more than $2.7 million for 15 projects in North Battleford, Lloydminster and area demonstrates the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to supporting infrastructure,” Taylor said. “We are dedicated to making life better for Saskatchewan families and to building an even better future here for our young people.”
Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).
The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $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 will raise the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.
More information on the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan’s infrastructure programs is available online at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.
Municipalities seeking more information may contact the Canada-Saskatchewan MRIF Joint Secretariat at 306-787-7414.
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For more information, contact:
Brenda Tarasiuk
Western Economic Diversification, Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5943
Gladys Wasylenchuk
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370