June 24, 2013
Kindersley, Saskatchewan
Agriculture Minister and Member of Parliament for Battlefords—Lloydminster Gerry Ritz, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, today joined community and rural municipality officials and west central Saskatchewan residents to celebrate the opening of the upgraded Water West Regional Water Supply System. The event marked the completion of a five-year project to increase regional access to safer drinking water for about 7,500 people.
“Our Government’s investment in improving access to high-quality drinking water demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the quality of life of Canadian families and supporting economic growth in these communities,” said Minister Ritz. “This project leaves a legacy of modern infrastructure that will benefit current and future residents.”
The Harper Government invested $10,188,000 in the $20,870,000 project, which upgraded and expanded the regional system that draws water from the South Saskatchewan River. The improvements increased the capacity of regional reservoirs in Snipe Lake and Kindersley, and included upgrades to Kindersley’s existing water treatment plant. Water West Pipeline Utility Inc. provided the balance of funding.
“I’m very pleased the project has had a successful completion,” said Al Heron, Chairman of Water West Pipeline Utility. “This upgrade and expansion will provide safe, secure and sustainable water to the citizens in the West Central region of Saskatchewan now and in the future. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Government for its contribution. This endeavour would not have been possible without the assistance of the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.”
The Water West Regional Water Supply project is one of four funded through the $27.3 million Regional Rural Water Supply Systems project in Saskatchewan under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund Water and Sewage Treatment category. CSIF supported large-scale infrastructure projects to help sustain economic growth and enhance the quality of life for Canadians.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
Al Heron
Chairperson
Water West Pipeline Utility Inc.
Telephone: 306 962-4171
