Released on July 17, 2017
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are committed to investing in public infrastructure that provides Canadians and their families with access to modern, reliable wastewater services that mitigate potential damage from severe storms and other natural hazards. These investments safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect provincial waterways and preserve local ecosystems, while building safer communities for our families.
Today, Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Indian Head-Milestone MLA Don McMorris, on behalf of Government Relations Minister Donna Harpauer; and Pilot Butte Mayor Peggy Chorney, announced funding to upgrade and expand the town’s wastewater treatment facilities and storm water management systems.
The wastewater plant upgrades include new pumping and pipeline infrastructure, an expansion and upgrade of the existing lagoon, and the addition of effluent disinfection equipment. This project will increase the town’s capacity to support local economic growth, help to protect the environment, and allow the town to expand its social and recreational services.
Today’s announcement also celebrated other infrastructure work underway in Pilot Butte. Storm water drainage infrastructure is currently under construction on Arbor Street and the surrounding area. When complete, this work will control erosion, prevent flooding and reduce the burden on the sanitary sewer system. Additionally, storm water drainage infrastructure is being improved in five other areas of the town, which will reduce the risk of flooding damage to private and commercial properties.
“Investments in wastewater and storm water management infrastructure will benefit Canadians for years to come,” said Goodale. “Effective disaster mitigation projects reduce the vulnerability of our communities to the negative impacts of extreme natural events. These wastewater and disaster mitigation projects in Pilot Butte will protect the local environment, support economic growth and help keep this community healthy for generations to come.”
“The Government of Saskatchewan’s investment of more than $2.1 million toward the Pilot Butte wastewater system, along with the community’s other Gas Tax Fund projects, will greatly improve the quality of life for the citizens of Pilot Butte,” McMorris said. “Infrastructure projects like these strengthen communities and help Saskatchewan meet the challenges of growth.”
“The Town of Pilot Butte appreciates the investments by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan in our community’s infrastructure,” Chorney said. “Without the support of other levels of government, projects like these would be challenging to complete on our own. Our town’s wastewater project will enable us to continue to build a sustainable community that meets the needs of our residents now and into the future. Investing in smart infrastructure not only ensures the health and wellbeing of our residents but also protects the environment and helps to guide the direction of future economic growth and development.”
Quick Facts:
- Town of Pilot Butte Wastewater Treatment System Upgrades
- The government of Canada and Saskatchewan are each contributing up to $2,166,666 toward this project, with the Town of Pilot Butte responsible for all remaining costs. The total estimated cost of this project is $6,534,000.
- Construct Storm Water Drainage - Arbor Street and Area Project:
- The Town of Pilot Butte is using $435,773 of its federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) allocation toward this project, which has a total estimated cost of $464,510.
- Improve Storm Water Drainage Project:
- The Town of Pilot Butte is using $112,344 of its federal GTF allocation toward this project, which has a total estimated cost of $199,743.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- $21.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- The Government of Canada is currently negotiating with the government of Saskatchewan to sign a long-term agreement that would see more than $896 million invested in infrastructure over the next 11 years.
- The federal GTF provides Canadian municipalities with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding. Local communities have the flexibility to make strategic investments across 18 different project categories, including roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities.
- The Government of Canada is providing Saskatchewan with more than $59.1 million for community infrastructure through the federal GTF in 2017-18.
Associated links:
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For more information, contact:
Brook Simpson
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Ottawa
Phone: 613-219-0149
Email: brook.simpson@canada.ca
Kathy Ward
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2687
Email: kathy.ward@gov.sk.ca
Peggy Chorney
Mayor
Pilot Butte
Phone: 306-536-5592
Email: pchorney@sasktel.net
Infrastructure Canada
Government of Canada
Ottawa
Phone: 1-877-250-7154
Email: infc.media-medias.infc@canada.ca
