Since 2015, the federal government has invested over $924 million in more than 520 infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan alone. Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada has currently invested over $96 billion in over 73,000 projects.
To meet the needs of communities, enhance locals’ quality of life, and create jobs addressing the impact of COVID-19, the government of Saskatchewan and the government of Canada continue to invest in infrastructure. Over $3 billion has been available to provide provinces and territories across Canada with additional flexibility to fund quick-start, short-term projects. Existing program streams have also been altered to include more eligible project categories. Up to 80 percent has been available for projects that support provinces. Up to 100 percent has been available for projects that support territories and Indigenous communities.
It was recently announced that there is over $81.2 million in joint funding for 23 infrastructure projects across the province. The funding for the projects is classified under the Community, Culture, and Recreation Stream and the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
“Under ICIP, provinces and territories are responsible for the planning, prioritization, design, financing, and administration of infrastructure projects that are cost-shared with Infrastructure Canada, who is a funding partner. Projects that are prioritized by provinces and territories are then submitted to Infrastructure Canada for review and funding consideration,” explained Infrastructure Canada’s Media Relations Zoltan Csepregi. “As the project owners, the municipalities are best-positioned to speak to the inspiration behind the projects and we would recommend you follow up with them directly for more information.”
With the investment, the local town of Esterhazy will be one of the communities benefiting from better access to reliable potable water services. Unity, Meadow Lake, and a few other communities will also benefit from the upgrade. Wastewater treatments will also be expanded and upgraded in Grenfell, Oxbow, and Humboldt. Many additional communities will gain from the projects surrounding flood prevention and decommission of landfills. Recreation projects include updates to Fort Qu’Appelle’s Rexentre Arena.
Both federal and provincial governments have made it a priority to provide communities with sustainable and reliable infrastructure. More than $44.3 million have been invested by the Government of Canada for these projects. With projects that require consultations with Indigenous groups, funding is conditional on every consultation requirement being met. Over $36.9 million have been contributed by the Government of Saskatchewan to the projects as well. Recipient contributions toward their specific projects are $29.5 million. In total, over $110.7 million has been deemed to be the combined infrastructure investment. Funding recipients are responsible for any other project costs.
Funding will assist in ensuring communities across the province have reliable services and recreation infrastructure for years to come. Because of the funds, new job opportunities will arise and will help protect local economies.
Esterhazy is excited about the upgrade and is gracious to proceed with its regional water system project. Once the work for the project finishes, it will have improved water qualities to Esterhazy and the area’s residents, position the area for growth, and give the treatment facility the space to provide potable water to surrounding areas. The decommission of historic landfills to protect the environment and the improvement to recreational committees will help in creating better, stronger and safer communities for the future of the province.