Major Neighbourhood Water & Sewer Renewal Initiative Hits Mid-Season

Major upgrades to local infrastructure are well underway in several locations throughout Saskatoon thanks to support from federal and provincial governments as part of the 2017 Water Main, Sanitary Lining and Lead Water Pipe Replacement Initiative.

“I am pleased to see work progressing so quickly in Saskatoon,” said the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Modern, efficient water infrastructure is essential to the well-being of Canadian families and the sustainable development of our communities. These projects will improve the reliability of Saskatoon’s water and wastewater systems while protecting the local environment.”

Warm, dry weather this summer has allowed for work on the initiative’s first five neighbourhoods to progress quickly, with few interruptions.  Work at the final three project locations starts this month, keeping the initiative on schedule.  So far this year, over 15,000 properties in Saskatoon have benefitted from extensive water main replacement, sanitary replacement/rehabilitation or sewer main inspection work including 464 lead water service pipes replacements.

As underground infrastructure work is completed, street reconstruction is being done to improve the quality of neighbourhood roadways. Currently 8 lane kilometres of roadways have been paved.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to be working with its federal and municipal partners by investing up to $7.9 million toward this important Initiative which will improve these Saskatoon neighbourhoods, enhance the quality of life for the citizens who live in them, and contribute to strengthening the overall infrastructure of this great province,” said the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Government Relations.

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.

“Our residents have expressed a desire to have lead lines replaced and water and sewer infrastructure improved as soon as possible,” says Celene Anger, Director of Construction and Design. “These funding dollars have allowed us to accelerate our timeline and get the work done at a rate they can be happy with.  Fewer watermain breaks, smoother roadways, and access to clean water all add up to a better quality of life. ”

Through the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing up to $15.8 million, the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing up to $7.9 million, and the City of Saskatoon is contributing $7.9 million toward this initiative worth a total of $31.6 million.

The City is also contributing an additional $11.7 million to water and sewer replacement projects as part of its annual programs.