The governments Canada and Saskatchewan announced they are investing more than $309 million for infrastructure projects across the province.
“The federal government is investing in projects that improve the connectivity, resiliency, and health of Saskatchewan communities. Investments like the one made today will support the continued housing growth of areas, making a brighter future for the province while protecting our local waterways and ecosystems,” said Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor.
The federal government is investing $165,576,603 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream, Green Infrastructure Stream, Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream, and COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $144,271,991 and the recipients are contributing $63,416,052.
“Improving infrastructure is critical to growing Saskatchewan cities, villages and towns. Our government is committed to improving our communities through investment and partnerships. Projects like the ones announced today are crucial to building and protecting a growing Saskatchewan. These important projects will benefit residents both today and into the future,” said Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations.
The City of Saskatoon is expanding their Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The two new lines will help Saskatoon Transit support the City’s continued growth while making transit a more convenient for all. A fibre optic network will also improve the tracking and reporting of the bus routes making them more efficient.
“As ridership continues to increase, it’s important that we have a system that meets the needs and expectations of users. This announcement for the Red and Blue BRT line, along with last November’s announcement for the Green BRT line, will allow Saskatoon to proceed with the Bus Rapid Transit project, fully funded. With three orders of government working in partnership, we will modernize and enhance our public transit system to move residents and visitors more efficiently and sustainably,” said Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon.
SaskPower’s Distributed Generation Enablement Project will result in new power lines and enable new generation projects, including wind and solar facilities, helping make low and non-carbon emitting power generation possible in the province.
A new water supply and treatment plant in the Town of Rosthern will include a back-up generator and water reservoir storage to support current drinking water needs while accommodating future growth. The project also includes a new communication system, upgrades to two existing well control buildings, and the demolition of the old water treatment plant.
“This exciting improvement to our fresh-water infrastructure is crucial for our community’s future. Increased and efficient production, treatment and storage capacity will enable the Town of Rosthern to accommodate current demand, future growth, and new servicing requirements which are presenting daily. We are delighted to have been selected for this project and look forward to project development and completion along with our Provincial and Federal partners,” said Dennis Helmuth, Mayor, Town of Rosthern.
Featured image: Paul Merriman, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon; and City Councillor, Ward 2, Hilary Gough. (City of Saskatoon)