WILKIE - In a recent media release Jan. 25, it was learned that Wilkie would be amongst 25 Saskatchewan communities receiving infrastructure funding.
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and Saskatchewan's Government Relations Minister Don McMorris, announced more than $19.7 million in joint funding for 25 infrastructure projects across the province.
The Town of Wilkie is building a new outdoor swimming pool with a beach entry, water slide and diving board. The federal input will be $1,070,460, while the provincial contribution will be $891,961. This leaves the community of Wilkie to add $713,729 to construct a $2.6M recreation facility to replace the aging existing pool in Wilkie.
The release stated, “By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.”
"The investments announced today will create opportunities for Saskatchewanians to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities,” LeBlanc said. “We will continue working with our partners to support rural and Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.”
Wilkie has held several fundraisers to date to contribute their swimming pool fundraiser.
Lori Fenrich, Wilkie’s Recreation Director adds, “We will be starting the tender process as construction is set to start in 2023 with completion in 2024.”
Fenrich also says, “We will continue fundraising for the pool to fulfill the remaining $720,000 needed. At present we have $150,000 that has been raised so will be needing another $550,000. Half of that needs to be raised in 2023 and the other half in 2024 to fulfil our grant requirements."
