Released on October 11, 2013
Residents of Watrous will benefit from joint federal and provincial funding to upgrade the local water treatment plant. Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Consular Services and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap on behalf of Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Arm River-Watrous MLA Greg Brkich on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter were joined by Town of Watrous Mayor Ed Collins to announce plans for the upgrade.
“By investing in infrastructure, our government is creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Yelich. “We are proud to have worked with our municipal and provincial partners on this project, and pleased to be contributing to the strength of Watrous so that it can continue to grow and thrive.”
“It’s great to see multiple levels of government partnering to build a better Saskatchewan,” Brkich said. “The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes how important infrastructure investments are to the quality of life for communities.”
“The funding assistance from the federal and provincial governments allows us to advance this vital infrastructure project,” Collins said. “We certainly appreciate their support and, with improved water quality, our community will continue to grow and prosper.”
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are each investing $447,333 in the project, while the town will contribute the balance of the total eligible project costs, which totals $1,342,000.
Upgrades to the water treatment plant will include transferring to a reverse osmosis system. These improvements will reduce interruptions and down time for repairs by improving the reliability of the system. Improved water quality for existing residents and businesses of Watrous means reduced repair costs to water heaters and corrosion of fixtures. Better water quality will also help attract potential residents to the town. The project is conditionally approved pending an environmental review.
Under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada has invested in hundreds of important projects across the west with matching contributions from the western provinces. Thousands of Saskatchewan residents are now enjoying the benefits of this significant investment to Canada and Saskatchewan’s public infrastructure. Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have invested in almost 150 projects for a shared total investment of $210 million under BCF-CC.
For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcp-pcc-eng.html.
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For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd-deo.gc.ca
Dan Palmer
Government Relations
Phone: 306-787-2155
Email: dan.palmer@gov.sk.ca