The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will spend more than $917,000 on infrastructure projects in the Lumsden area over the next two years.

Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert and Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale on behalf of Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie) today announced funding support through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP).

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program will provide more than $865,000 towards the construction of a water treatment plant and a new water storage reservoir. This project will increase the quality of the local drinking water and provide adequate water storage.

"Projects like these protect our people and our environment," said Calvert. This program focuses on the long-term benefits of building a 21st century infrastructure and enhancing the quality of our environment."

Construction of 2.6 kilometers of main farm access road in the RM of Lumsden will also take place with more than $52,000 in CSIP support. The upgrade will provide a safe, all weather road that borders a community pasture and leads directly to the Marion Heights Resort, Keddleston Beach, Highwood Beach, the Resort Village of Regina Beach and Kinookima Village.

Minister Goodale said, "One of the goals of the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is to support long term economic growth with improvements to urban, rural and northern municipal infrastructure. With contributions from the three levels of government, we can leverage greater investments to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life for residents in Saskatchewan."

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) is a five-year program that will result in infrastructure investments of at least $170 million in Saskatchewan municipalities. The program provides up to two-thirds of the eligible costs associated with community projects. Communities provide the balance of project costs.

Verne Barber, Mayor of the Town of Lumsden said, "It is with great pleasure that the Town of Lumsden enters in to this partnership with the provincial and federal governments to guarantee the citizens of Lumsden a quality and adequate water supply for today and tomorrow."

The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions, and affordable housing.

Jim Hipkin, Reeve of the Rural Municipality of Lumsden No. 189 commented, "Our RM is very pleased to receive Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program funds for the construction of 2.6 Kilometers of a main farm access road. The road connects two municipalities and is traveled by area farmers, the Arm River Colony and full time commuters to properties on the west side of Last Mountain Lake."

This year $24 million combined federal and provincial funding has been allocated to 85 Saskatchewan municipalities.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Cathie Kryzanowski
Special Events Coordinator
Municipal Affairs and Housing
Province of Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-8890

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

For more information on the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program:

Canada Infrastructure Program: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ino-bni

Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs: http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/canada_infrastructure.shtml