FORT QU’APPELLE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM DEDICATION CEREMONY HELD

A ceremony was held today in Fort Qu'Appelle to recognize the construction of a new $5.9 million wastewater treatment system. The new system will eliminate the need to discharge wastewater directly into the river system, thus preserving the health of the valley.

SaskWater invested $3,862,000 in the project. The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) provided $2,055,000 and additional costs will be funded by the Town of Fort Qu'Appelle. SaskWater managed the design and construction of the project and will operate the facility.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to protecting our environment and contributing to a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan families," Minister Responsible for SaskWater David Forbes said. "Meeting municipal priorities, such as developing modernized water systems in a fiscally responsible, environmentally-focused manner, is integral in enabling our communities to grow and prosper."

"Canada's New Government is working in partnership with other orders of government to get things done for the people of Fort Qu'Appelle," said Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu'Appelle, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Western Economic Diversification. "Our investment will strengthen the community's infrastructure, ensure clean drinking water and support a cleaner environment for the region."

"The concept of a new treatment system has been discussed for many years," Fort Qu'Appelle Mayor Ron Osika said. "Through this federal, provincial and municipal partnership, we have turned our vision into reality. Our community and the environment will both benefit from this project. We are grateful to SaskWater, as well as the federal and provincial governments for their support in helping Ft. Qu'Appelle achieve this goal."

"We are pleased to have partnered with Fort Qu'Appelle and the provincial and federal governments to provide this modern waste water facility for the residents of Fort Qu'Appelle," SaskWater President Stuart Kramer said. "We thank the provincial and federal government for their support and look forward to working with more communities like Fort Qu'Appelle in order to improve municipal and regional water, and wastewater facilities in the province."

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For more information, contact:

Lorna Bratvold
SaskWater Communications
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-3686
Email: lorna.bratvold@saskwater.com

Anna Mae Stainbrook
Town Administrator
Fort Qu'Appelle
Phone: 306-332-4622
Email: forttownoffice@sasktel.net

Branda Tarasiuk
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5943
Email: www.wd.gc.ca