Weyburn, Estevan and 19 nearby communities will benefit from a $5.3 million investment for infrastructure projects from the Canada‘s New Government and the Province of Saskatchewan through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).

Today’s announcement means that Weyburn will be able to upgrade its wastewater treatment system while Estevan will use its funding to repair water and sewer mains.  Fleming, Manor, Midale and Whitewood will upgrade their water treatment systems.  In addition, 15 nearby towns and rural municipalities can now reconstruct grid roads.

Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament for Souris—Moose Mountain, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Doreen Hamilton, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Regina Wascana Plains on behalf of Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen, announced the investment today.

"Through this investment of $5.3 million, Canada’s New Government is getting things done for families and taxpayers in southeastern Saskatchewan," Komarnicki said.  “This investment will translate into upgraded wastewater systems, better water supplies and safer roads for our communities.”

“Today’s announcement of funding from the province of $2.67 million demonstrates our commitment to supporting infrastructure,” Hamilton said.  “We are dedicated to making life better for Saskatchewan families and to building an even better future here for our young people and these infrastructure projects will support our strong future”

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan). 

The federal and provincial governments are investing a total of $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.  Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which will raise the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.

More information on the Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan’s infrastructure programs is available online at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml.

Municipalities seeking more information can contact the Canada-Saskatchewan MRIF Joint Secretariat (306) 787-7414.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Brenda Tarasiuk
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5943
Toll Free: 1-888-338-9378 

Tyler McMurchy
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Cell: 306-537-7051