On Friday, Saskatoon began water infrastructure upgrades worth a total of $43.3 million as part of the 2017 Water Main, Sanitary Lining and Lead Water Pipe Replacement Initiative.
“Modern, efficient water, wastewater, and stormwater management infrastructure is essential to the well-being of Canadian families and creates economic growth and middle-class jobs,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. “We are pleased to invest in these improvements in Saskatoon to improve the reliability of its systems while protecting the environment.”
Close to 1,000 properties in five neighbourhoods in Saskatoon will see extensive water main replacement and sewer lining work, including the replacement of over 900 lead water service pipes to homes and businesses.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to play a role in improving Saskatoon’s water infrastructure by investing up to $7.9 million toward this initiative and working with our federal and municipal partners to improve service for our citizens,” said the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations.
This bundling of projects, performing underground and road renewal at the same time, lessens the impact to residents and lowers the cost of the infrastructure upgrades and is optimized by municipal asset managers.
“We always look for ways to be more efficient and minimize inconvenience to citizens,” said Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “By combining water main replacement and water and sewer main lining, then replacing road surfaces and sidewalks, we save money and we save the amount of time we’re in a neighbourhood.”
The intent of this initiative is to accelerate short-term municipal investments while supporting the rehabilitation of water and wastewater infrastructure to meet immediate priorities for clean water and healthier environments for communities.
Through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $15.8 million and the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing up to $7.9 million toward this overall City of Saskatoon initiative worth a total of $43.3 million.
