Federal and Provincial Funding for New Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure on Reserve at Whitecap Dakota First Nation

WHITECAP, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - July 29, 2016) - Infrastructure Canada

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.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations, and 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.

Quotes

"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. This project will increase the number of households, industries, commercial establishments and institutions with access to safe drinking water and connection to sanitary wastewater systems, in addition to enabling economic development both on and off the Whitecap Dakota First Nation Reserve."

- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Today's announcement is indicative of our government's commitment to keeping Saskatchewan strong. 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."

- The Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations

"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. 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."

- Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota First Nation

Associated links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $120 billion infrastructure plan

Federal infrastructure investments in Saskatchewan

Have your say on infrastructure

The Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component - National and Regional Projects

New Building Canada Plan

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