Provincial, federal governments put disputes aside for $72 million in infrastructure projects

The provincial and federal governments combined to announce more than $72 million in funding for 12 different infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan.

Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, weeks filled with threats to withhold money postponed a variety of funding announcements after the province publicly voiced disputes with how funding streams interacted with one another.

Member of Pariliament, and Saskatoon native, Jonathan Wilkinson noted how vital it was to see both parties come together.

“Part of this is working through the prioritization of different projects,” he said after the announcement at Gordie Howe Sports Complex. “There’s certainly lots more projects that didn’t get funded, and it’s about identifying those that are the highest priority. We worked through that with the province and I think we’re both very pleased we’re here today.”

Last month, the province said it would not support the remaining 12 of 25 projects until certain provisions of the Integrated Bilateral Agreement (IBA) signed last October were lifted.

The ability to allow excess funds to be transferred from transit streams — around $307 million of which is for Saskatoon and Regina — into the $56-million community, culture and recreation (CCR) streams within the agreement was a constant sticking point in negotiations.

Premier Scott Moe said while negotiations to free up more money are ongoing, enough obstacles were cleared to fund the remaining projects.

“What has allowed us to move forward here today is the commitment that these funds will be replenished,” he said.

That assurance doesn’t meant the spat is over.

“There are more projects outside of transit that Saskatoon and Regina want to move forward on. There are also projects that other communities across the province want to move forward with,” Moe said.

Funding Infrastructure

The federal government is funding $39.7 million for the new projects, while the province is contributing $32.5 million. The remaining money is up to the recipients.

Gordie Howe Sports Complex is one of the largest benefactors of the announcement. The massive expansion will be complete with $15 million in funding that will see the completion of new bleachers, outdoor ticket booths and nordic ski trails that will make the complex a haven for sports year round.

Mayor Charlie Clark touched on how needed the upgrades are, especially when looking at his first days involved in municipal politics eight years ago.

“We had delegation after delegation come to the city and say, ‘The field sucks, the dressing rooms suck, the stands suck,’ ” he said. “To be honest, it took a few starts to get things going … and then this whole vision of Friends of the Bowl came together.”

Ten other projects will improve landfills, water and sewage infrastructure, and even the construction of a new drinking water treatment plant in places like Ituna, Kerrobert and Outlook.

Whitecap Dakota First Nation rounds out the projects with the installation of fibre internet networks.