February 29, 2008 - McCord, Saskatchewan
Several families and two businesses in the Hamlet of McCord will soon be connected to the chlorinated water distribution system, thanks to an investment from the federal and provincial governments.
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $16,870 to the project through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The Rural Municipality of Mankota will provide the remaining 50 per cent of the project's total cost of $33,741.
"I'm pleased that provincial dollars will help the residents and businesses of McCord benefit from this expansion to the water supply system," Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "Our government is working to provide a better quality of life for Saskatchewan residents, and providing access to safe and reliable drinking water is part of that."
"The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in this important infrastructure project, which will provide residents of the Hamlet of McCord with improved access to safer drinking water," said 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. "This joint investment will provide McCord with modern amenities that will help build a healthy and prosperous community."
"On behalf of the residents of McCord I would like to extend our thanks and sincere appreciation to both the province and the federal government for their assistance under the Municipal Infrastructure Fund for improvements to water quality in the Hamlet of McCord," said Reeve Doug Williamson of the Rural Municipality of Mankota.
Under the initial Canada-Saskatchewan 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 to more than $152 million.
Last year, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan contributed an additional $14.9 million to MRIF 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 more than $90.9 million.
These projects are an example of how MRIF is supporting a stronger, safer and better Canada through infrastructure projects that provide cleaner air and water, a stronger economy and a higher quality of life.
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:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing & Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Tyler McMurchy
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 787-5193
Cell: (306) 537-7051
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
