Federal government investing $29 million into Regina sewer system project

Ottawa is investing $29M to upgrade Regina’s wastewater system to support growth and ease capacity issues. Mick Favel reports.

The federal government is investing $29 million in Regina’s South Trunk Wastewater Upgrade project.

This is part of the government’s Build Communities Strong Fund aimed at building municipal infrastructure.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Buckley Belanger, secretary of state for rural development.

The City of Regina is looking to use the money to address capacity limitations at the south trunk sewer system and bolster it to support the city’s planned growth.

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“This investment in the South Trunk Wastewater Upgrade is essential to supporting Regina’s growth and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our residents,” Mayor Chad Bachynski said in the announcement.

“I want to thank the federal government for this important investment. By strengthening our wastewater system, we are protecting our environment, reducing flood risks, and enabling new housing and development in our growing neighbourhoods.”

Improvements to the south trunk system are expected to reduce flooding risks and untreated discharges to Wascana Creek.

Past extreme weather events have put pressure on Regina’s existing system. The new piping — nearly two metres in diameter — is expected to better handle future demand.

“We see the risk of our old system not being able to contain that extra inflow and infiltration of rain water that mixes in with our sewer system. That is a risk we see,” said Carolyn Kalim, the director of water, waste & environment at the City of Regina.

Belanger said it was important for the federal government to build around basic utilities like water and wastewater.

“This investment in Regina’s South Trunk is a great example of that,” he said. “With our government’s new Build Communities Strong Fund, we’re making the kind of infrastructure investments that will help cities like Regina and communities across the Prairies grow with confidence,” he said.

Bachynski said talks with the federal government about the funding began more than six months ago.

Once complete, the underground piping will run from the McCarthy Boulevard pumping station to east of the Regina International Airport.

Belanger travelled to Estevan on Tuesday to announce a joint investment totaling more than $900,000 centered around preparing Saskatchewan businesses for nuclear supply chain opportunities.

The newly launched federal program is planned to help municipal projects for the next 10 years.