For Release
March 5, 2007
Yorkton, Saskatchewan – Yorkton, Melville and
15 nearby communities will benefit from a $5.8 million investment for
infrastructure projects from the Government of Canada and the Province
of Saskatchewan through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Today’s announcement means that Yorkton and six nearby communities
will be able to upgrade their wastewater treatment systems, Melville will
be able to construct a new sewage pumping station and nine rural municipalities
will be able to rebuild grid roads in their communities.
Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton—Melville, on
behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Ron Harper Member
of the Legislative Assembly for Regina Northeast, on behalf of Government
Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen, announced the investment today.
“Today’s announcement of funding from the province of $2.9
million for 17 projects in Yorkton and area demonstrates our commitment
to supporting infrastructure and creating a strong future for our province,”
Harper said. “We are dedicated to making life better for Saskatchewan
families of today and to building an even better future here for our young
people.”
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for families
and taxpayers in Yorkton, Melville and surrounding communities”,
said MP Breitkreuz. “Our joint investment of over $5,8 million will
have a direct impact on these communities by ensuring they have safe roads
and modern equipment to handle their wastewater and water treatment needs."
Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review
process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and
The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).
The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $76 million
in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan MRIF. Participating communities are
expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which will raise
the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.
For more information on the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan’s
infrastructure programs, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca
or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml
.
Municipalities seeking more information should contact:
Canada-Saskatchewan MRIF Joint Secretariat (306) 787-7414.
For additional information, contact:
Brenda Tarasiuk
A/Manager, Communications
Saskatoon, SK
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (306) 975-5943
Cathy Gourlie
Communications
Saskatchewan Government Relations
Regina, SK
Tel: 306-787-2687
Backgrounder
Yorkton and Area Infrastructure Projects –
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
City of Yorkton – Water System Improvements
MRIF funding: $1,000,000; Project cost: $3,416,000
The City of Yorkton is building the Queen St. Water Treatment Plant to
replace and centralize the function of its three existing water treatment
plants. The plant will replace existing facilities to provide sufficient
capacity to meet the city’s water demands to the year 2030.
Town of Canora – Water Pipeline Flushout Hydrant/Swab Launcher
Installation *
MRIF funding: $48,000; Project cost: $96,000
The Canora Rural Public Utility Board (CRPUB) is installing 18 flush out
points and two swab launchers on the existing CRPUB Rural Water Pipeline
to manage mineral build-up and turbidity in the water lines. These improvements
will also flush the pipeline to eliminate dead zones.
Town of Churchbridge – Water Treatment Expansion and Renovation
MRIF funding: $500,000; Project cost: $1,278,650
This project will involve expanding and upgrading the existing Churchbridge
Water Treatment Plant to provide secure water that meets both current
and future demands and regulations. This will include building an addition
on to the existing plant that will house three new filters. The new building
and filters will eliminate stagnation and congestion in the town’s
water reservoir.
R.M. of Churchbridge – Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $292,092; Project cost: $584,186
To reconstruct a 3 km portion of the Shellmouth Hill grid road that was
originally built in 1994. The reconstruction will improve sight distance
and intersection safety on the road, which has a steep hill, sharp curve
and worn surface.
R.M. of Clayton – Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $312,140; Project cost: $624,280
The R.M. of Clayton is reconstructing Primary Grid 753 so it meets acceptable
standards for a Class 4 road. This road currently suffers from soft spots
and has deteriorated to the point where it is a safety hazard to drivers.
The reconstruction is necessary to accommodate heavy trucks hauling grain
and other commodities to Canora, Yorkton and Rama.
Town of Esterhazy – Raw Water Supply
MRIF funding: $500,000; Project cost: $1,351,900
The Town of Esterhazy is enhancing its raw water supply by constructing
two new wells, building a raw water pumping station, installing a raw
water pipeline, upgrading the existing raw water pumping station and decommissioning
three existing wells. By doing these improvements, the Town will avoid
the extra costs that come from constantly having to upgrade and treat
its current shallow wells.
R.M. of Foam Lake – Grid Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $180,794; Project cost: $361,589
The R.M. of Foam Lake is reconstructing 4.8 kms of Grid 743 to address
traffic safety issues. This road is an important primary haul corridor
that connects Highway 35 to Highway 310.
R.M. of Garry – Grid Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $118,734; Project cost: $237,468
This project involves rebuilding a portion of Grid Rd. 202 next to Highway
52. The reconstruction is intended to fix unsafe road deficiencies and
reduce maintenance costs.
R.M. of Grayson – Farm Road Access Construction
MRIF funding: $152,856; Project cost: $305,715
The R.M. of Grayson is clay capping a main farm access road that leads
to a grain terminal in the R.M. of Cana. The upgrades are expected to
make the road safe for R.M. residents in all seasons.
R.M. of Hazel Dell – Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $82,814; Project cost: $165,630
The R.M. of Hazel Dell will reconstruct a 3.2 km section of grid road
and replace all of the culverts along this road. Once completed, this
road will form a more direct route for industrial and agriculture traffic
and allow for hauling heavier loads.
Town of Hudson Bay – Water Treatment Plant Upgrade - Phase
2 *
MRIF funding: $332,876; Project cost: $665,754
The Town of Hudson Bay is undertaking the second phase of upgrades to
its water treatment plant, which includes installing an ultraviolet disinfection
system. Phase two will also involve installing variable frequency drives
to the distribution pumps and upgrading the filter backwash system by
adding air-assisted backwash.
Town of Langenburg – Langenburg Reverse Osmosis Project
*
MRIF funding: $401,500; Project cost: $803,000
This project involves installing a reverse osmosis water treatment system
in the town's water treatment plant. This equipment will remove the objectionable
minerals to produce safe, high quality water.
City of Melville – Sewage System Upgrading *
MRIF funding: $754,500; Project cost: $1,509,000
The City of Melville is building an upgraded sewage pumping station to
replace its current 50-year-old station.
R.M. of Porcupine – Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $317,962; Project cost: $635,927
The R.M. of Porcupine is reconstructing 14 kms of Grid Road 677 to accommodate
truck traffic from the forest, cattle, pork and grain industries.
Town of Rose Valley – Reservoir and Water Treatment Plant
Upgrade
MRIF funding: $500,000; Project cost: $1,050,000
The Town of Rose Valley is constructing a concrete treated water storage
reservoir to replace the existing reservoir, which was built in 1962.
A facility will be built to house pumping equipment required for the reservoir.
Water treatment plant equipment will be moved into the same building and
additional filters installed with the treatment equipment.
R.M. of Saltcoats – Grid Road Upgrade
MRIF funding: $156,134; Project cost: $312,269
The R.M. of Saltcoats is clay capping the Atwater Grid Rd. to provide
a direct link for heavy traffic between Highway 15 and Highway 16.
R.M. of Sasman – Grid Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $176,808; Project cost: $353,616
The R.M. of Sasman is reconstructing 4.83 kms of the Kylemore Grid Rd.
to bring it up to primary grid standards. The upgrades will widen the
right of way, improve the line of sight for large vehicles and raise the
gravel grade to improve safety standards.
____________________________________________________________
Total MRIF funding: $5,827,210
Total project costs: $13,750,984
* Project is exempt from environmental assessment. Approval
of all other projects is conditional upon receiving a favourable environmental
assessment.
