Moose Jaw is one of several communities that will be receiving funding from both the federal and provincial governments through a new investment program.
More than $50.2 million in joint funding has been announced, to be provided to 55 infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan through the new COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
The funding will be used to help communities complete projects that will enhance the quality of life for citizens, meet their growing needs, and support local economies.
The Saskatchewan government is providing $16.4 million in funding to the projects selected for the program, and the Government of Canada is providing $21.2 million. The remaining $12.5 million is being supplied by project recipients.
“With the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, we are also responding to the impacts of the pandemic through flexible and accelerated investments in key infrastructure upgrades as quickly as possible,” said Jim Carr, the Government of Canada's Special Representative for the Prairies, in a press release. “The funding announced today will help communities build back better, create jobs, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities."
The City of Moose Jaw is set to receive just over $1 million for a solar power upgrade project, supporting the installation of over 1,000 solar panels and associated equipment on five buildings operated by the municipality. Of that funding, $770,019 will come from the joint government fund and the municipality is providing $276,781.
Locations receiving panels are YaraCentre, the Kinsmen SportsPlex, City Hall, the City Public Works and Transit building, and Mosaic Place.
Similar solar upgrades will also be happening in Wilkie and Biggar. Swift Current is receiving $4.4 million in joint funding for the creation of approximately 11 kilometres of multi-use pathways, including new signage, with an additional $ 1.5 million in funds from the city for a total of over $5.8 million.
Other projects funded by the program include accessibility upgrades to the Saskatchewan Science Centre in Regina, and various upgrades for community centres, walking trails, recreational facilities, and more across Saskatchewan.
The goal of the funding is to support communities with necessary infrastructure projects, which will in turn create construction employment opportunities and better services for residents.
For the full list of infrastructure projects being funded by the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, click here.
