Feds, province partner on improvements to water infrastructure around Sask.

The provincial and federal governments have partnered up to bring millions of dollars in improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure around Saskatchewan.

The joint investment means more than $51 million will go to 34 projects around the province, which the governments said will help ensure the supply of drinking water remains safe and reliable “for generations to come.”

Ottawa’s share adds up to $27.9 million through its Green Infrastructure Stream, while the province is chipping in $23.25 million and local recipients are contributing $18.6 million.

“By improving access to essential services and amenities, we are enhancing the quality of housing and enabling communities to meet the critical infrastructure demands associated with growth,” Dan Vandal, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, said in a joint statement.

“We will continue to work with partners to invest in projects that foster a better tomorrow for all Saskatchewanians.”

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Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s minister of government relations, echoed Vandal’s comments, saying the upgrades will bring big improvements to a number of communities.

“The value of these projects is so much more than dollars; it’s setting communities on a course for continued growth and renewal,” McMorris said in a statement.

“As we move into spring construction season, this new and improved infrastructure will produce immediate and long-term benefits and build excitement within our communities as they continue to grow and protect the quality of life of their residents for generations to come.”

The projects to benefit from the funding include improvements to the Village of Craven’s water treatment facility, bringing it into line with provincial and federal regulations. The facility will also have two new water supply wells installed, and two new filters integrated into it.

“This grant will play a pivotal role in enhancing our infrastructure in an affordable manner for our residents and ensuring that we are compliant with the Water Security Agency’s quality standard on a go-forward basis,” Mayor Dayna Anderson said in the statement.

The funding will also provide for the construction of a 6.7-hectare sewage lagoon in the Town of Vonda, along with upgrades to the water treatment plant in the Town of Redvers.

Full details of the projects can be found below.