Recreational facilities and civic water treatment and disposal systems will be upgraded thanks to a joint investment from the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan.
These investments total almost $1.7 million in combined federal and provincial funding that will be provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The announcement was made today by Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River 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 Jeremy Harrison, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Meadow Lake, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Mayor Darwin Obrigewitsch of the town of Meadow Lake.
"These investments will improve existing infrastructure and extend the life of recreational facilities, water and sewer systems for Northern residents," said MP Clarke. "Today's announcement reflects our government's commitment to help communities continue to grow as vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."
This funding includes $250,000 for energy efficiency upgrades in Meadow Lake's arena and more than $785,000 to upgrade sewage pumping stations in the Village of Beauval. A full list of project descriptions and investments is attached.
"Our $1 billion Ready for Growth initiative is the largest infrastructure investment in the history of Saskatchewan and will help ensure we don't repeat the mistakes of other jurisidictions and begins to address the infrastructure deficit left by the previous government," said Harrison. "We want to manage our growth as we continue our economic momentum and these projects help Northern Saskatchewan to manage that growth."
"The modifications to the arena will extend the life of the facility for many years to come," said Meadow Lake Mayor Darwin Obrigewitsch. The new roof insulation, lighting, ice plant compressor and chiller will help this arena evolve into a "green" facility by improving the overall utility, operation and maintenance costs, therefore, benefiting the entire community and area."
Under the initial Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (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.
Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).
Note to news and assignment editors: Backgrounder attached.
For additional information, media may contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (306) 975-5942
WD Toll-free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Greg Urbanoski
Communications
Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs
Regina, SK
Tel: (306) 787-2155
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
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Town of Meadow Lake - Arena Energy Efficiency Upgrades
MRIF funding: $250,000; Project cost: $703,500
The town will replace existing compressors, electrical panels, pumps and the chiller to increase energy efficiency in the arena and reduce running times in the ice plant. Existing lighting will be replaced with energy efficient bulbs and ballasts. New roof insulation will also be added, and windows between the ice and viewing areas will be upgraded. A heat reclamation system may be installed to capture heat from the ice plant. These changes will all contribute to increased energy efficiency and reduced operating costs for the community.
Resort Village of Candle Lake - Candle Lake Curling Rink Improvements
MRIF funding: $60,224; Project cost: $120,450
The curling rink will receive new insulation in the walls and floor, and a concrete floor will be installed. These upgrades will provide a higher quality curling surface and also allow the facility to be used year round. The community will be able to develop additional recreational and leisure programming.
Village of Goodsoil - Recreation Complex Artificial Ice Installation
MRIF funding: $61,500; Project cost: $123,000
An artificial ice system will be installed in the skating rink. The natural ice currently in use is susceptible to variable weather conditions, and the rink is unable to open until December each year. An upgrade to artificial ice will mean that the community can enjoy a longer rink season, and this will lead to increased recreation opportunities for residents of Goodsoil and the surrounding area.
Village of Pierceland - Community Hall Air Conditioning and Heating Installation
MRIF funding: $39,374; Project cost: $78,750
Air conditioning and heating systems will be upgraded to accommodate the square footage and occupant load of the Community Hall. These improvements will increase opportunities for community activities during the summer months.
Town of Spiritwood - Curling/Bowling Facility Upgrades
MRIF funding: $88,000; Project cost: $176,000
The town will complete the mezzanine floor of their recreational facility. The finished curling and bowling facility will serve the community as a location for club activities, community events, other recreational outlets and as a showcase for sport tourism.
Northern Village of Beauval - Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades
MRIF funding: $785,198; Project cost: $1,177,795
Beauval will receive upgrades to existing sewage pumping stations to meet existing and future demands. This project will upgrade or replace buildings, controls, and electrical and mechanical components. Both sewage pumping stations will receive back-up power sources with dedicated buildings. The upgrades will improve sewage treatment for the community and prevent any future environmental damage to the Beaver River or residential homes.
Northern Village of Green Lake - Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
MRIF funding: $407,184; Project cost: $610,775
The water treatment system in Green Lake will receive significant upgrades and improvements to operate efficiently and maintain compliance with provincial regulatory standards. The upgrades will include well servicing and installation of air lines to monitor well performance and condition. The treatment process will be improved through installation of new equipment and implementation of new procedures. This project will provide area residents with safe, secure and reliable water treatment that will meet the projected needs and demands of the community for the next 20 years.
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Total MRIF funding: $1,691,480
Total project costs: $2,990,270
