Released on July 29, 2016
Water and wastewater systems are essential for both healthy living and robust economic activity for every community in Canada. They are the starting point for attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting healthy, growing communities such as Whitecap Dakota First Nation.
Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter, and Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear, today announced funding for a drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure project to increase the system capacity of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and allow for future growth in the area. Whitecap is located 26 kilometres south of Saskatoon.
The project includes the expansion of Whitecap’s drinking water treatment plant and construction of two new aerated lagoon cells for expanded wastewater treatment to support further residential development around its top-ranked golf course, a hotel with a convention centre and a 40 acre business park.
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are each contributing up to $4,530,000 toward this project through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects, with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation covering the remainder of the estimated $13,590,000 total project cost.
“Modern and reliable infrastructure that meets the capacity needs of our communities is essential to safeguard the well-being of residents, protect our waterways and preserve our ecosystems,” said Goodale. “This project will increase the number of households, industries, commercial establishments and institutions with access to safe drinking water and connections to sanitary wastewater systems, in addition to enabling economic development both on and off the Whitecap Dakota First Nation Reserve.”
“Today’s announcement is indicative of our government’s commitment to keeping Saskatchewan strong,” Reiter said. “It also highlights the work being done within all the three levels of government to address provincial infrastructure needs. The Government of Saskatchewan’s contribution of $4,530,000 for this project will continue to ensure that the community of Whitecap Dakota First Nation is vibrant and growing, and that area residents continue to have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
“Whitecap is already emerging as a regional employer with almost 700 jobs on our First Nation and 500 people commuting to Whitecap from across the Saskatoon region,” Chief Bear said. “This joint investment with our two partner governments reflects the confidence in our plan for future growth, which will generate another 300-plus jobs for the region and create a place for investing in new homes and new growth for Saskatchewan.”
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For more information, contact:
Brook Simpson
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities (Canada)
Ottawa
Phone: 613-219-0149
Email: brook.simpson@canada.ca
Jay Teneycke
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca
Infrastructure Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media-medias.infc@canada.ca
Alycia Cardell-McLeod
Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Phone: 306-477-0908
Email: acardell-mcleod@whitecapdakota.com