NORTHERN COMMUNITIES TO BENEFIT FROM INVESTMENT

Northern Saskatchewan communities can look forward to improved infrastructure thanks to the renewal of the Northern Capital Grants program.

Over the next six years, the provincial government will invest $7.2 million to help meet local infrastructure needs. Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson made the announcement today in Prince Albert.

"This is a significant step forward in helping northern Saskatchewan communities," Hutchinson said. "The Northern Capital Grants program funds infrastructure projects in northern communities and helps make Saskatchewan's economy even stronger.

"Renewing our provincial infrastructure is a priority for this government. By investing wisely in our communities, with all of us working together, we can ensure the economic success we are seeing today in Saskatchewan is sustainable into the future. This extremely significant agreement helps make Saskatchewan Ready for Growth."

"I am pleased we are providing this funding for northern infrastructure," Minister responsible for Northern Affairs June Draude said. "As with all our efforts, they are focused on building a sustainable economy and partnering with northerners to realize our growth potential."

"The money from this program is greatly needed in the north," New North chair and Mayor of La Loche Georgina Jolibois said. "The capital improvements this program helps pay for allows us to keep pace with our growth as a community."

The Northern Capital Grants Program provides funding for municipal capital works, new equipment, facilities, capital planning, major structural renovations or repairs that significantly increase the useful life of a building, and equipment or renovations that increase the energy efficiency of buildings or equipment.

Municipalities are responsible to pay a minimum amount equal to 10 per cent of the approved amount of the Northern Capital Grant.

Communities will be allocated money based on their population levels. Communities can spend up to 20 per cent of their Northern Capital Grants on capital that support or enhance economic development in the community.

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For more information, contact:

Greg Urbanoski
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2155
Email: Greg.Urbanoski@gov.sk.ca