CSIP FUND CONTRIBUTES TO BALCARRES WATER TREATMENT PLANT

People in Balcarres are on their way to having a new water treatment plant thanks to support from the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

Government Relations Minister Ron Osika and Balcarres Mayor Ervin Baber today turned the sod to officially launch the town's water improvement project.

The federal and provincial governments are each providing $251,048 through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP), while the town will contribute $251,050. The $753,146 water treatment plant is scheduled to be completed in fall 2005. The project includes replacing an aging water plant building as well as treatment and distribution equipment. The main objective is to provide good quality demineralized water to the community.

"The Government of Canada is committed to partnering with communities to help them improve their quality of life," Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) said. "The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program enables us to invest in projects that are community priorities and provides up-to-date infrastructure systems like this new water supply project."

"The co-operation of the town of Balcarres, the federal government, and the provincial government has made this project possible," Osika said. "A safe supply of abundant water is essential in ensuring the sustainability of Saskatchewan communities and we are pleased to be a part of the team contributing to Saskatchewan's wide open future."

"Thanks to the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program, the Town of Balcarres will be able to provide quality drinking water to its citizens for years to come," Baber said.

This is the third year of the five-year Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program that will see an investment of more than $170 million in federal, provincial and municipal funds in Saskatchewan municipalities. During the first three years of the program, more than $84 million in federal and provincial funds has been announced for 295 projects. The program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs associated with community projects. Communities provide the remaining minimum one-third of the project costs.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions, and affordable housing.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ann Anderson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8890

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942