The City of Estevan will receive funding from both the provincial and federal governments for water infrastructure projects in the community.
In one project, the city will be constructing a residuals management facility to treat the wastewater generated by its water treatment plant using an effective and low-energy treatment process. This will help to protect the local environment, including the Souris River watershed.
The other project will see the construction of a new water intake and pipeline to access the Rafferty Reservoir. Rafferty will become the primary source of water in the community. Boundary Dam, which is the current water source, will remain an option if there is a problem at Rafferty.
This will help the city provide high-quality drinking water to local residents and businesses.
The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan are each contributing up to $3.1 million for this project. The City of Estevan will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project, which has a total eligible cost of $9.4 million.
“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in modern infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities, supports the middle class, and ensures that Canada will remain the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family,” Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness said on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “This important investment in Estevan will protect the local environment and provide access to high-quality drinking water for this community’s residents, both now and into the future.”
“A significant investment in water projects like the one for the City of Estevan makes life better for our citizens and helps keep Saskatchewan strong,” Estevan MLA Lori Carr said on behalf of Government Relations Minister Donna Harpauer. “By working together, the federal, provincial and municipal governments are ensuring that this important water and wastewater project meets the needs of residents both now and in the future.”
“This initiative will help us environmentally with our residual management from the water treatment plant, along with giving us a cleaner, more reliable water source as well as a secondary source of water from Rafferty Dam,” Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig said.
Next week's edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
