STONY RAPIDS HAS NEW WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM

Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger on behalf of Government Relations Minister Len Taylor today joined Mayor Curtis Fiss to officially open Stony Rapids' new water and sewer system.

"The development of water and waste water systems are a key element of this government's on-going commitment to northern growth and opportunity," Belanger said. "This $5.7 million dollar project is a good example of the work this government is doing for the benefit of our northern communities."

The Stony Rapids ceremony celebrates just one of the projects carried out under the Northern Water and Sewer Program, which since 2000 has provided more than $26 million to 31 northern communities to improve their local water and sewer systems. When the program is completed in 2006-07, $34.5 million will have been spent on the Northern Water and Sewer Program.

In Stony Rapids, a total of 133 homes and businesses are now connected to the village's new water and sewer system. Prior to the commencement of this project in 2000, the community was on cisterns or holding tanks or did not have any services at all.

"The people of Stony Rapids are proud of the new water and sewer system," Mayor Fiss said. "This new system adds to the quality of life and living conditions in our community."

The village has also addressed water supply issues at the boat launch facility through a $20,000 project under the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program.

The Northern Water and Sewer Program has been a major advancement in the North for infrastructure that elsewhere is taken for granted. Ready access to clean water and efficient sewage disposal promotes better health and a better quality of life for families in communities with young, growing populations.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959

Scott Boyes Northern Affairs La Ronge Phone: (306) 425-6669