January 21, 2008
Humboldt, Saskatchewan
The residents of Humboldt, Cudworth, Vonda and the Rural Municipality of Bayne will enjoy improved community recreational facilities thanks to more than $171,000 in combined federal and provincial funding through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Today's announcement includes more than $34,000 and $57,000 respectively for the City of Humboldt and the Town of Cudworth, to upgrade pool equipment for increased energy efficiency. The R.M. of Bayne and the Town of Vonda will receive over $50,000 and $29,000 respectively to construct multi-purpose facilities.
This investment was announced by the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Saskatchewan Minister of Municipal Affairs; Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, 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 Mayor Malcolm Eaton from the City of Humboldt.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is building the foundation of a government-to-government relationship with municipalities in order to deliver the best results to the people of Saskatchewan," Minister Hutchinson said. "I'm proud that the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government are able to work with each other to invest in these vital community facilities."
"The Government of Canada is pleased to enable these communities to improve their recreational facilities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors while also supporting energy conservation," said MP Trost. "Today's investment reflects our government's commitment to work in partnership to help communities be vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."
Upgrading the Humboldt Uniplex Pool and Cudworth Swimming Pool to access an environmentally friendly energy source will conserve energy and reduce heating costs and harmful emissions.
The construction of new venues in Vonda and the R.M. of Bayne will provide these communities with facilities to attract new events and improve existing activities for residents and visitors.
"This commitment by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Saskatchewan will certainly assist us in providing quality leisure opportunities for the citizens of Humboldt. Energy retrofits for our Aquatic Centre are an exciting opportunity for us to do something good for our people and to lessen our environmental impact," said Humboldt Mayor Malcolm Eaton.
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.
In 2007, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan provided an additional $14.9 million to the Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.
This announcement is part of a larger group of 56 MRIF cultural and recreational projects being announced across the province. The federal and provincial governments are providing more than $5.7 million towards these projects' $12.69 million total cost.
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, media may contact:
Joanne MysakManager, CommunicationsWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTelephone: (306) 975-5942
Tyler McMurchyCommunicationsSaskatchewan Municipal AffairsRegina, SKTel: (306) 787-5193Cel: (306) 537-7051
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
Backgrounder
Humboldt and Area Infrastructure Projects - Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
City of Humboldt - Humboldt Uniplex Pool Energy RetrofitMRIF funding: $34,624; Project cost: $69,250The City will increase the energy conservation ability of its indoor pool by purchasing a mechanical pool blanket and increasing air-handling capacity within the Humboldt Uniplex. The pool blanket will retain heat generated in the pool and reduce energy use through constant heating of the water. The upgrades will reduce corrosion on equipment and structures, which will extend the life of the facility.
Town of Cudworth - Swimming Pool Energy Efficiency UpgradesMRIF funding: $57,096; Project cost: $114,195The Town will install solar heating equipment in the pool and replace single pane windows with better quality units. These changes will increase energy efficiency in the facility and reduce utility costs. These upgrades will allow the Town to reduce its annual operating costs and keep the pool operational for many more years.
Town of Vonda - Construction of Tourism and Wellness CentreMRIF funding: $29,530; Project cost: $59,062The Town will build a Tourism and Wellness Centre for visitors and residents. The Centre will include a camping facility with water, sewer and electrical service to better serve visitors. Seniors and other residents would also use the centre as a wellness centre for recreational activities, gatherings and events. R.M. of Bayne - Construction of Multi-use FacilityMRIF funding: $50,000; Project cost: $105,525The R.M. is constructing a multi-use facility in cooperation with the Town of Bruno, the Bruno Lion's Club and the Carlton Trail Agricultural Society. This facility will consist of kitchen space, washrooms and showers. An attached structure consisting of a sunroof and removable walls will provide additional space for three-season use. The new facility may host weekend ball tournaments, an annual Lions Club event, the Bruno Cherry Festival, or other events. In addition, washrooms and showers can also be used by the Bruno Golf and Country Club, enabling them to host golf tournaments.
Total MRIF funding: $171,250Total project costs: $348,032
