Canada and Saskatchewan invest in infrastructure projects to strengthen communities

REGINA, SK, Jan. 25, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Relations, announced more than $19.7 million in joint funding for 25 infrastructure projects across the province.

The construction of new facilities at the First Nations University of Canada's Land-based Learning Centre in Regina is included in this funding. The centre will serve as a place for Indigenous teaching and learning on the land. It will include overnight facilities such as cabins, shower and washroom facilities, a mess hall with a kitchen, water and wastewater infrastructure, along with a permanent sweat lodge structure and an outdoor learning centre.

Funding will also provide improvements to Estevan's Leisure Centre to enhance the quality of facilities for residents. This project will include the rehabilitation of its rooftop for increased sustainability and the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to reduce the building's carbon footprint.

In the Town of Kindersley, the West Central Event Centre will benefit from a complete lifecycle upgrade of its refrigeration plant. The upgrade will increase energy efficiency and create a greener and self-sustaining facility. Other measures to reduce energy consumption include replacing leaky exterior doors and converting to LED lighting throughout the facility.

Several rural areas will also see infrastructure improvements including bridge replacements in the rural municipalities of Big Stick No. 141, Biggar No.347, and Laurier No. 38, which will improve the transportation system. In addition, funding will support the decommissioning of five landfills for the villages of Climax, Ceylon, Harris and the towns of Lumsden and Milestone to help protect the environment.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians

"The investments announced today will create opportunities for Saskatchewanians to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. We will continue working with our partners to support rural and Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

"Our government is investing nearly $9 million in provincial funding toward these 25 vital infrastructure projects. These investments will increase Indigenous cultural learning opportunities, provide recreational opportunities, improve our rural transportation system and support our environment. We will continue to build a stronger Saskatchewan that is home to a strong economy, strong communities and strong families."

The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Relations

• The Government of Canada is investing $10,822,885 towards these projects through the Green Infrastructure, Community, Culture and Recreation, and the Rural and Northern Communities streams of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Saskatchewan is contributing $8,948,700.
• The 25 project recipients are contributing a combined total of $7,698,014 to these projects. Recipients are responsible for any additional costs.
• Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.
• The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is providing $33 billion for public infrastructure across Canada. Under this program, provinces and territories prioritize and submit projects to Infrastructure Canada for review. To date, the program has approved more than $20 billion for over 4,500 projects in communities across the country.
• Including today's announcement, the Government of Canada has invested more than $495 million in 296 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in Saskatchewan.
• Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.

Backgrounder: Canada and Saskatchewan invest in infrastructure projects to strengthen communities

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-pic-INFC-eng.html

Infrastructure Canada Projects and Programs in Saskatchewan
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/sk-eng.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada