The City of Yorkton is hoping to access a Canada Infrastructure Program Grant to partially fund its Wastewater System Renewal Project.
Michael Buchholzer, Director of Environmental Services & Capital Projects, with the City explained at the regular meeting of Council Monday the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are working together to make long-term infrastructure investments that will create jobs, boost the economy and enhance people’s quality of life.
“The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) will provide more than $896 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects until 2028. These projects will be cost shared by federal, provincial and municipal governments,” he said.
Through ICIP the funding is divided into four streams;
*Cleaner environment by reduction of soil and air pollutants;
*Improved drinking water;
*Reduced greenhouse gas emissions;
*Sustainable water management
Eligible applicants may submit one application per ICIP funding stream intake.
The City’s Management group has selected the H.M. Bailey’s Wastewater System Renewal Project for the application, noted Buchholzer.
“The upgrades are required due to a Canada-Wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent developed by The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME),” he said.
The Strategy is to ensure that wastewater facility owners will have regulatory clarity in managing municipal wastewater effluent under a harmonized framework.
The strategy requires, “that all facilities achieve minimum National Performance Standards, and develop and manage site-specific effluent discharge objectives,” said Buchholzer.
As part of the ICIP application, administration requires a resolution by council endorsing the project.
“Municipal applicant can receive a 40 percent Federal contribution and up to 33.33 percent Provincial Contribution towards the project,” said Buchholzer, adding these are estimates and amounts would be confirmed during the grant approval stages.
There are already dollars set aside to start the project framework.
“The 2018 Capital budget included $300,000 for the DUIS and the 2020 budget included $300,000 for pre-design work,” said Buchholzer.
“This expansion project has also been included in the City’s 5-year capital plan and is estimated at 40 million dollars, again this is only an estimate ...
“The City’s share of funding would come from reserves and external debt. The final payment on the existing Water Treatment Plant loan is in 2023. Thereafter these funds could be put towards the Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The application is not a guarantee of funding acceptance, noted Buchholzer.
Council was unanimous in supporting the application.
