April 04, 2008
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon residents will benefit from the installation of sound attenuation barriers, which will reduce vehicle-related noise from freeways on neighbouring residential properties, thanks to a joint investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan.
The federal and provincial governments are jointly investing more than $1.5 million for this project through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.
The funding was announced today by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Don Morgan on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson, and 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.
"As Saskatchewan continues to grow both economically and with its population, we will participate in projects like this so we can effectively manage growth," Morgan said. "This project allows us to accommodate the growing demands placed on our transportation system and allows Saskatoon residents to enjoy the benefits of living in such a rich and vibrant city."
"The construction of these sound barriers will reduce the detrimental impact of vehicle noise on the quality of life for Saskatoon residents," said MP Trost. "The Government of Canada is making infrastructure investments that will leave real and lasting benefits for the citizens of Saskatoon."
The sound attenuation barriers will be constructed along the east and west sides of Circle Drive between 8th Street and 14th Street. Traffic noise readings have been collected throughout the city and these locations have been identified for the addition of sound barriers.
"Along with incredible growth and prosperity, Saskatoon is experiencing urban issues that need to be addressed," stated Mayor Donald Atchison. "Through this partnership, we are pleased to work towards reducing the impact of traffic noise along major roads in residential areas that have met the criteria for sound attenuation walls."
Under the initial Canada-Sakatchewan 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
Greg Urbanoski
Communications Consultant
Ministry of Municipal Affairs
(306) 787-2155
Brad Walter
Project Engineer
City of Saskatoon
(306) 975-8896
