(Town of Shellbrook/Facebook)

By Alison Sandstrom

Capital Spending

Area towns pleased with infrastructure announcement

May 7, 2020 | 5:46 PM

The mayors of Shellbrook and Birch Hills are welcoming news that there’s major infrastructure funding on the way for municipalities.

On Wednesday Premier Scott Moe announced a “$2 billion economic booster-shot” for capital projects. The plan is designed to help the economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and includes $150 million to be provided through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program.

“That $150 million right there provides the opportunity to get people back to work across this province,” said Moe. “And get them back to work on infrastructure projects that are a priority to their community.”

Though it’s unclear how much funding the town will qualify for, Shellbrook Mayor George Tomporowski told paNOW he hopes they can access some of it for an estimated $7 million upgrade at their water treatment plant.

Tomporowski explained the existing facility is in need of expansion.

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“It’s about 25-years-old so it needs a major refurbishing, plus we are nearing the capacity of it for our existing population,” he said.

Birch Hills Mayor Dale Pratt said his community hadn’t identified which projects they would like to apply for funding for yet, but the matter was on the agenda at the next council meeting. However, he said the town will likely prioritize public works, including street infrastructure.

“We’re definitely excited about the possibility of getting some money for future improvements for sure… It’s great news especially at this time,” he said. “My caveat to that is with our province being in the deficit already, I’m just kind of wondering where this money’s coming from.”

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom