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For Release
August 11, 2005

25th Street Upgraded with Infrastructure Investment

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Saskatoon residents will enjoy better traffic flow on a wider 25 th Street that will also boast improved lighting and a wider sidewalk thanks to an investment of more than $4.2 million from federal, provincial and municipal governments through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (C-S MRIF).

Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Len Taylor and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison announced the funding today. The g overnments of Canada and Saskatchewan will contribute $1,063,282 each, while the City of Saskatoon will provide the remaining $2,126,567.

"The Government of Canada is working with the province and municipalities to build and improve public infrastructure for a high quality of life and economic opportunities in our communities," said Minister Goodale on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "These MRIF investments in Saskatoon ensure the city remains a desirable destination for travelers, immigrants and investors. That's what the New Deal for Cities and Communities is all about."

"Saskatchewan's $1.1 million investment in the Saskatoon 25 th Street Upgrade is part of our government's commitment to fund municipal and regional infrastructure for our communities," said Minister Taylor. "The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund enables our municipalities to plan, finance and deliver on their infrastructure priorities."

"Improving the flow of traffic on 25 th Street will have a tremendous positive impact on motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians," said Mayor Atchison. "This is one of our busiest streets and these upgrades will help everyone get to their destinations quicker and safer. It's yet another enhancement that makes Saskatoon shine."

The federal and provincial governments are investing $76 million in the four-year Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, which was signed on Jan. 14, 2005.

Participating communities will contribute one-half the cost of any project, bringing the total infrastructure investment to at least $152 million.

With the August 4 th announcement of the Regina wastewater-drainage improvement project , more than $ 5.4 million in federal-provincial funds have been invested in MRIF projects worth over $13 million.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the provincial Environmental Assessment Act. All mitigating factors will be addressed during the construction phase.

For more information on the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan's infrastructure programs, visit http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/mrd/prosimsi.shtml or http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.

Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in Budget 2005.

Municipalities seeking more information should contact:
Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Joint Secretariat
(306) 787-7414

For additional Program information, contact:

Grants Administration & Provincial-Municipal Relations
Saskatchewan Government Relations

Jay Heuchert, Program Advisor
410 - 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA SK S4P 3T2
Tel: (306) 787-7414
Fax: (306) 787-3641
Email: infra@gr.gov.sk.ca

For additional information, Media may contact:

Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund
Backgrounder

On January 14, 2005, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan signed the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (C-S MRIF) agreement to invest $76 million in municipal infrastructure projects across the province over the next four years. Participating communities are expected to contribute one-half the cost of any project, which will raise the total infrastructure investment to at least $152 million.

The Saskatoon 25 th Street Upgrade under the C-S MRIF will prepare the traffic corridor for increased traffic volumes expected from the eventual link to Idylwyld Drive and the provincial highway system. The project will focus on the rehabilitation of 25 th Street, including:

• Widening the street on either side in order to construct a dedicated median turn lane;
• Improving street and pedestrian lighting;
• Widening the sidewalk;
• Installing new trees with an irrigation system; and
• Adding streetscape furniture.

All three levels of government are investing in the 25 th Street Upgrade:

• Government of Canada: $1,063,282
• Government Saskatchewan: $1,063,282
• City of Saskatoon: $2,126,567

Municipalities that applied for funding this year will be notified soon if their applications were successful. A second and final project intake will occur in the fall of 2006. The C-S MRIF sets aside up to 20 per cent of its resources for projects in Saskatoon and Regina, and provides $4 million for water and sewer projects in northern Saskatchewan communities.

Eligible projects under the C-S MRIF include water and sewage treatment, solid waste, public transit and energy improvements to municipal buildings. The fund also supports better roads and bridges, cultural, recreational and tourism projects, and improved Internet connections. The C-S MRIF will invest 45 per cent of its resources in "green" projects that result in cleaner air and water.

A Project Review Committee, which consists of representatives from federal and provincial governments, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities, reviews the applications and recommends projects for funding.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund builds on the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CISP) in which the federal and provincial governments and Saskatchewan municipalities invested $264 million in 404 projects in 298 Saskatchewan communities.