REGINA - A number of communities in Saskatchewan are seeing over $42 million from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan towards 21 infrastructure projects.
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Don McMorris made the joint announcement on Tuesday.
The 21 infrastructure projects includes a new arena in Lloydminster that will have two indoor and one outdoor regulation-sized rinks, including one with sledge hockey-friendly amenities.
"The funding committed from both the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan toward this important event facility project is very much appreciated by the City of Lloydminster," said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers in a statement. "When construction is completed, this new infrastructure will be transformational to our community and region by allowing us to attract an array of large-scale events and entertainment options. It will also support enhanced recreation and culture opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities."
Also receiving funding is the Resort Village of Cochin for rehabilitation of their breakwater, which is a structure that protects against erosion and maintains fish spawning area, and allows for free movement of water between lake systems.
"The Resort Village of Cochin appreciates the federal and provincial investments to help our breakwater rehabilitation project become a reality," said Resort Village of Cochin Mayor Harvey Walker in a statement. "When the work is finished, it will extend the service life of this important infrastructure, which is key to ensuring recreation opportunities for all who live, work, play and visit the area."
Also getting funding is an aquatic centre in Balgonie featuring a 430-square metre outdoor swimming pool with spacious change rooms and a zero-depth beach pool entry.
Several infrastructure improvements in rural areas are also being funded, including bridge replacements in the R.M.s of Antler No. 61, Caledonia No. 99, Hudson Bay No. 394, Keys No. 303, Lacadena No. 228, Lumsden No. 189, Mervin No. 499, Orkney No. 244, Poplar Valley No. 12, Preeceville No. 334, Porcupine No. 395 and Torch River No. 488.
“The investments we are making will improve the quality of life of residents across Saskatchewan,” Minister LeBlanc said in a statement. "We will continue working with our partners to invest in community infrastructure and build a better future for all Saskatchewanians."
Overall the Government of Canada's contribution to the projects is $20,133,458; Saskatchewan is contributing $21,986,742. The recipient communities are on the hook for $23,846,620 as well as any additional costs.
"I was certainly glad that we were able to put a press release today on some of the latest projects that have been approved and agreements entered into with the federal government,” said McMorris, speaking to the SUMA convention in Saskatoon Tuesday.
"It's been a great program over the last five to six years. It was supposed to sunset in 2018, but most provinces burned through the allotment from the federal government; we have too."
McMorris said the province, Feds and municipal funds had produced $2.1 billion in infrastructure programs throughout the province, and indicated he wanted to see more funding from all three levels into infrastructure in the future with less strings attached.
"You'd think that would have painted all the fence but there's more fence to paint," said McMorris of the investments. "There's still more infrastructure projects that need to be undertaken."
