Legislative Report
February 16, 2023

Strengthening Communities by Supporting Infrastructure Projects

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing in strengthening our communities to support infrastructure projects throughout the province. By working together with municipal levels of government to fund projects that fit local needs, we help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for people in Saskatchewan’s communities.

On January 25, 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan and Canada announced over $19.7 million in joint funding for 25 infrastructure projects across the province through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Of this funding, nearly $9 million was provided by the province. Saskatchewan municipalities have received $1.44 billion through the ICIP program since it was first introduced in 2019. Of this total, $472 million has been contributed by the provincial government. 

The construction of new facilities at the First Nations University of Canada’s Land-Based Learning Centre in Regina is included in this funding. The centre will serve as a place for Indigenous teaching and learning on the land. It will include overnight facilities, a mess hall with a kitchen, a permanent sweat lodge structure and an outdoor learning centre. This facility will provide increased cultural learning opportunities.

Several community facilities across the province will be upgraded through ICIP funding, including swimming pools, curling rinks and recreational centres. These places are hubs of activity in their communities and provide great opportunities for leisure and camaraderie. These facilities also create jobs and often attract events to the community, in turn supporting the local economy.

Bridge replacements and improvements in rural municipalities across the province will be funded as well. These projects improve rural transportation systems, connecting communities to the rest of the province and improving safety while travelling. In addition, the funding will support the decommissioning of several landfills throughout the province to help protect the environment.

By creating Indigenous cultural learning opportunities, providing recreational opportunities, improving the rural transportation system and supporting the environment, ICIP funding supports strong communities in Saskatchewan.

Targeted Sector Support Funding

In addition, through the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) program, the Government of Saskatchewan is providing $500,000 to 15 more community-based projects this year. TSS grants fund municipal projects focused on good governance, capacity building and regional co-operation.

Funding supports a variety of initiatives, ranging from firefighter training to emergency plans and feasibility studies for new community developments.

Our government is proud to partner with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) to make the TSS initiative happen. Together, we help communities better serve their citizens by strengthening local governments across the province.

All municipalities are encouraged to apply for TSS funding in the next intake of applications, which is expected to open in early March.

The investments our government makes through the ICIP and TSS helps support the good work of Saskatchewan’s rural and Indigenous communities. We will continue to build a Saskatchewan that is home to a strong economy, strong communities and strong families.