Saskatchewan and Ottawa announced $73.5M for housing infrastructure in 10 communities, leaving out Lloydminster, Vermilion and County of Vermilion River, according to the provincial government.
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The funding flows through the Provincial-Territorial stream of the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), a federal-provincial program aimed at upgrading water, wastewater, drainage and sewer systems to support new housing construction.
What the Funding Covers
Under CHIF, the federal government is providing $187.9 million and the province is contributing approximately $155 million toward housing-enabling infrastructure priorities across Saskatchewan, according to the province.
The 10 projects announced this week include a water pollution control plant renewal in Yorkton, a sewer extension in La Ronge to support 124 new housing units, water treatment upgrades in Shellbrook and Arcola, wastewater expansion in Estevan, water system improvements in Swift Current, and water and sewer expansion in the Town of Big River.
Also receiving support are an infrastructure master plan for the Town of Naicam, flood mitigation and drainage work in the Town of Warman, and a lagoon expansion study for the Rural Municipality of St. Louis No. 431.
“Strong, reliable infrastructure is essential to the health, growth and long-term success of communities across Saskatchewan,” Rural Development Secretary of State Buckley Belanger said.
Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said the projects reflect a broader push for sustainable growth across the province.
“People raise their families and businesses in Saskatchewan because of our strong economy, our vibrant people and our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth,” Schmalz said.
Border City Area Absent From This Round
None of the 10 recipient communities named in the release are located in the Lloydminster region, meaning the City of Lloydminster, Town of Vermilion and County of Vermilion River did not secure funding in this intake.
The announcement follows months of advocacy in which Schmalz and municipal leaders travelled to Ottawa to press for improved infrastructure investment programs, an effort previously reported when Sask. leaders pushed Ottawa on infrastructure funding.
Housing infrastructure gaps have been a recurring issue on the Saskatchewan side of the Border City, including concerns raised earlier this year when the Sask. NDP demanded the province address systemic Lloydminster housing and shelter gaps.
Vermilion has also faced setbacks tied to funding shortfalls, including a previously identified housing gap in the community and a transitional housing project that was sidelined after support fell through.
Why the Gap Matters for Local Housing Growth
Saskatchewan has posted strong housing construction numbers provincewide, with the province reporting that housing starts surged 65.5 per cent in August, the strongest growth rate in the country.
Whether that momentum extends to future CHIF intakes for the Lloydminster region remains unclear, as the province has not indicated when a further round of applications or funding decisions might be announced.
Residents with questions about local infrastructure priorities can direct inquiries to their municipal office, with provincial media inquiries handled through the Ministry of Government Relations.
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