For Release September 17, 2004 SASKATOON, Saskatchewan -- The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) is contributing $2.53 million for the City of Saskatoon to complete a $3.8-million upgrade and expansion of the Saskatoon Waste Management Centre to make it more environmentally sound and sustainable. "The Government of Canada is committed to working with all levels of government to create and sustain healthy, safe communities through improved environmental management," said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "The expansion and renewal of Saskatoon's Waste Management Centre will provide the City of Saskatoon with a system that will maintain a cleaner living environment for decades, improving quality of life for residents of Saskatoon." Projects that address water quality and the protection of our environment have received the highest priority in the program. The Government of Saskatchewan is very pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to support infrastructure projects that will help to ensure a sustainable future for our province," said Government Relations Minister Len Taylor. Not only does the upgrade of the landfill site emphasize the City's commitment to sound environmental stewardship, it also means improved service to our customers," said Mayor Don Atchison. The CSIP funding is for the second and third phases of the upgrade and expansion. This year, work will begin on the second stage to cap portions of the existing landfill. Next year, work will begin on the third phase to expand the landfill site. This is the fourth year of the five-year infrastructure program that will see an investment of more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds in Saskatchewan's municipalities. The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments. Before receiving final approval, community projects must undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing. Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal and provincial budgets. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina, Saskatchewan Phone: (306) 787-5959 Email: mboyle@graa.gov.sk.ca Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Phone: (306) 975-5942 Email: Joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca Web site: www.wd.gc.ca Pawel Kerc Manager, Environmental Engineering City of Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-2563 Email: pawel.kerc@city.saskatoon.sk.ca
