News Release
For Release
October 03, 2007
Maple Creek, Saskatchewan — Residents of six municipalities
in southwest Saskatchewan will benefit from over $1.45 million in combined
federal and provincial funding for six infrastructure projects through
the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Today’s announcement includes more than $479,000 for the Town of
Maple Creek to replace its sewage lift station, as well as over $324,000
for the RM of Big Stick to reconstruct a road to help residents and workers
from the local natural gas industry access remote areas. A full list of
project descriptions and investments is attached.
The investments were announced today by David Anderson, Member of Parliament
for Cypress Hills–Grasslands, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose,
President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Joanne Crofford,
Member of the Legislative Assembly for Regina Rosemont on behalf of Government
Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen.
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for the people
of Saskatchewan,” said MP Anderson. “These investments provide
our communities with safer roads, better waste disposal and cleaner water.
Strong, healthy communities require modern infrastructure, which is why
we are delivering on our promises to make our communities vibrant and
productive places to live, work and raise families.”
”I’m proud that infrastructure funding from the provincial
government will be put toward projects that will have tangible benefits
for residents of these communities,” said Joanne Crofford, MLA for
Regina Rosemont. “Our government is focused on making life better
for Saskatchewan families, and funding vital infrastructure projects like
these helps us achieve that goal.”
Under the initial MRIF Agreement, the federal and provincial governments
committed a combined $76 million to the fund, with participating communities
contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment
above $152 million.
This year, Canada’s New Government and the Government of Saskatchewan
have provided an additional $14.9 million to the fund as part of their
commitment to help smaller communities meet their infrastructure needs.
This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment
in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.
These projects are an example of how MRIF is supporting a stronger, safer
and better province through infrastructure projects that provide cleaner
air and water, a stronger economy and a higher quality of life for our
communities.
Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review
process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and
The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).
For additional information, contact:
Brenda Tarasiuk
A/Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (306) 975-5943
Tyler McMurchy
Communications
Saskatchewan Government Relations
Regina, SK
Tel: (306) 787-5193
Cel: (306) 537-7051
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Southwest Area Infrastructure Projects -
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
Town of Maple Creek–Sewage Lift Station Replacement
MRIF funding: $479,450; Project cost: $958,900
The Town is constructing a new sewage lift station to replace the existing
50 year-old station. The new station increases the Town’s capacity
to handle population growth and provide more reliable service to its residents.
R.M. of Enterprise–Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $320,444; Project cost: $640,890
This project involves reconstructing a section of road so that trucks
will have a more direct route through the municipality.
R.M. of Deer Forks–Road Reconstruction
MRIF funding: $86,948; Project cost: $173,896
The municipality is reconstructing a hill on grid road 635 to reduce its
steep grade. Once completed, the road is expected to be safer for trucks
as well as tourist traffic to the Great Sand Hills and the ferry crossing
at the South Saskatchewan River.
R.M. of Big Stick–Road Construction
MRIF funding: $324,032; Project cost: $648,065
A 6.4 km section of road will be constructed to allow trucks from the
local natural gas industry as well as residents access to what is now
a remote section of the municipality.
Town of Lafleche–Nuisance Ground Upgrade
MRIF funding: $38,786; Project cost: $77,575
The Town is separating its refuse pit from its burn pit to ensure that
it meets environmental standards. The area will be fenced and gated to
ensure that it is safe for residents to use.
Village of Frontier–Water Treatment Upgrade
MRIF funding: $202,276; Project cost: $404,555
The Village is upgrading its filtration system to improve water clarity
and remove fluoride. The upgrades will include installing a new direction
filtration system and ion exchange system.
Total MRIF funding: $1,451,936
Total project costs: $2,903,881
* Project is exempt from environmental assessment. Approval
of all other projects is conditional upon receiving a favourable environmental
assessment.
