July 08, 2008
Buena Vista, Saskatchewan
The Village of Buena Vista will benefit from a new sewage transmission system and treatment facility, thanks to a joint investment from the federal and provincial governments under the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.
The federal-provincial contribution of $500,000 was announced today by the Honourable Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan Minister of Enterprise and Innovation and MLA for Thunder Creek, and Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre, 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.
"Saskatchewan has a history of people working together so everyone comes out ahead and this Canada-Saskatchewan MRIF announcement is another example of that," Minister Stewart said. "Saskatchewan is leading Canada in growth and we need projects such as this to help maintain and accommodate the responsibilities for that growth."
"This joint investment of over $500,000 will provide Buena Vista with energy efficient technologies that will reduce costs while conserving water and energy," said MP Lukiwski. "The Government of Canada is pleased to work in partnership with the Province of Saskatchewan to invest in this important infrastructure project, which will leave real and lasting benefits for residents of Buena Vista."
The upgrades will replace septic tanks, truck hauling and an undersized lagoon system. The new environmentally-sound system will produce a high quality effluent suitable for use in a number of commercial applications. Energy efficient upgrades will include solar aquatic technology for green sewage treatment and geothermal heating. This project is conditionally approved pending the completion of an environmental assessment.
"Myself, and the council of Buena Vista are excited to receive this grant as it will move us one step closer to achieving our desire to develop an environmentally friendly sewer system," said Mayor Larry Hall. "Our hope is to have a system that can treat sewage without the use of chemicals and with limited mechanical devices. This project will create new ways to think of sewage treatment in Saskatchewan."
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 and safer Canada through infrastructure projects that provide cleaner air and water, a stronger economy and quality of life.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing & Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Greg Urbanoski
Communications Consultant
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Regina, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 787-2155
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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