The provincial, federal and municipal governments are providing nearly $26 million towards building and improving water, wastewater, stormwater and solid water infrastructure for some of Saskatchewan’s largest cities. The $25.9 million in funding will be provided through the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) and will benefit Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. According to the province, the investment will allow the construction of up to 29,370 housing units across the three cities. “Basic good water and sewer services allows you to build homes; there’s also dollars available for facilities,” federal Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger told reporters Monday. “It attracts families to these towns, villages and cities so they’re able to bring their families [there], go to school, play hockey and work at the various opportunities that are out there.” In Regina, the Taylor Field Redevelopment project will be aided by the new funding. The infrastructure announcement is one element of the seven-acre housing development based at the former home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. “To see that finally come to fruition and we’re actually going to see houses be built in that space is extremely exciting,” said Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski. “The first step is to get the infrastructure in place.” In Saskatoon, the funding will support the city’s Material Recovery Centre and therefore help it towards its goal of diverting 70 per cent of waste from its landfill. “In 2011, the City of Saskatoon had a report back that said we had 10 to 15 years left on our landfill. That’s today,” city councillor Jasmin Parker explained. “In order to be able to continue to do that work and to continue to extend the life of our landfill at the rate we’re growing, this work is imperative.” In Moose Jaw, the Spring Creek Stormwater Management Project is designed to reduce flooding and support future housing development in the city of nearly 33,000. The project includes pipe replacements, road upgrades and rerouting pipes to improve the city’s stormwater systems. “This is key for growth and expansion for us,” Moose Jaw Mayor James Murdoch added. “I’m excited for the opportunity there will be and the growth that can happen immediately for the city with new housing and new buildings.” The Government of Canada will provide $14.17 million through the CHIF for the projects, while the provincial and municipal governments will provide $11.81 million and $9.45 million respectively. For Bachynski, who’s city addressing an infrastructure deficit of more than $700 million, the funding is certainly a sign of collaboration between the three levels of government. However, he believes there is more work to be done. “It helps,” Bachynski added. “It’s going to be enough when we get to where we don’t have an infrastructure deficit.” The federal government plans to invest more than $187 million into housing-enabling infrastructure across the province with the Government of Saskatchewan adding an additional $156 million. More projects in other cities will be announced later once they receive approval. The federal Conservatives voiced their displeasure with Monday’s announcement, claiming it consisted of standard funding that’s been offered to cities “for decades.” “Meanwhile the benchmark price for a home in Regina hit a record $343,700, up 6% in just one year, while the Carney Liberals claim an illusion that “could enable” more housing, someday," Scheer said in a written statement.
