The federal and Saskatchewan governments are injecting more than $25.9 million into municipal infrastructure to clear the path for nearly 30,000 new homes across Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw.
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The joint investment, announced April 13 by secretary of state for rural development Buckley Belanger and Saskatchewan government relations minister Eric Schmalz, targets essential water, wastewater and waste management systems that currently limit residential expansion.
The funding is delivered through the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), a program designed to help municipalities catch up with the infrastructure demands of a growing population.
“Partnering with Saskatchewan, we are delivering future housing opportunities like the one in Regina to help get housing projects off the ground,” Belanger said in a statement.
Breaking down the provincial impact
The investment is expected to enable the construction of up to 29,370 housing units. Under the broader CHIF agreement, the federal government has committed $187.9 million to the province, while Saskatchewan is contributing approximately $156.5 million.
The specific projects highlighted in the announcement include:
- Regina: Funding will support the Taylor Field Redevelopment, a seven-acre project requiring new water and stormwater systems to support high-density housing on the former stadium grounds.
- Saskatoon: Money is earmarked for the expansion of the Material Recovery Centre. The goal is to divert 70 per cent of waste from landfills by better managing construction, demolition, and hazardous household waste.
- Moose Jaw: The Spring Creek Stormwater Management Project will receive upgrades to pipes and roads to mitigate flooding and allow for new residential subdivisions.
Municipal leaders react
Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski noted that the Taylor Field project is a “significant” step toward meeting the city’s affordable housing needs.
In Moose Jaw, Mayor James Murdock said the upgrades would safeguard existing infrastructure while positioning the city for future growth. Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block emphasized that managing waste effectively is a prerequisite for “growing responsibly.”
The total cost for this round of projects is rounded out by a $9.4-million contribution from the three municipal governments.
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