October 01, 2012
Battleford, Saskatchewan
Battleford residents today celebrated the grand opening of the town's new reservoir and expanded water treatment plant, marking the completion of the three-year project that increased the town's capacity to produce high-quality drinking water.
Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster and Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Herb Cox, Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Battlefords, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations, joined Battleford Mayor Chris Odishaw and their friends, neighbours and constituents at this important community event.
"Today's opening reflects our Government's commitment to enhancing community infrastructure, while creating jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity," said Minister Ritz. "Our investment in the expanded water treatment plant will ensure that Battleford residents have access to high-quality drinking water, now and in the future."
The jobs created in Battleford as a result of this project helped strengthen and grow the local economy during the worst of the global economic downturn. The expansion of this facility is producing long-term benefits for the Town of Battleford, leaving it with a legacy of modern infrastructure.
"This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when all three levels of government work together to improve the quality of life for Saskatchewan residents," said MLA Cox. "Important investments in water treatment infrastructure are being made across the province and Battleford is no exception."
Through the Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC), the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan each invested $1.59 million to the project, which provides clean, safe drinking water to Battleford residents. The Government of Saskatchewan contributed an additional $400,879 through its Municipal Economic Enhancement Program. The Town of Battleford provided the balance of the estimated $5.17 million project.
"The Town of Battleford was at a crossroads in its history as it reached capacity with its water treatment plant," said Mayor Chris Odishaw. "Today, with the partnerships with the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan on this water treatment plant expansion, Battleford is in a great position to support its mandate of providing a safe and sustainable community. Battleford is well positioned for a great future and on behalf of Council and all the residents, we thank our federal and provincial partners."
Under the Communities Component of the Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada has invested in important projects across the West with matching contributions from the western provinces. Thousands of Saskatchewan residents across the province are now enjoying the benefits of this significant investment to Canada and Saskatchewan's public infrastructure.
For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (306) 975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
Megan Wolfinger
Communications Consultant
Ministry of Government Relations
Telephone: (306) 787-2155
Email: megan.wolfinger@gov.sk.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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