(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Community upgrades

Major projects planned for Christopher Lake and Beardy’s Okemasis Cree Nation

Feb 11, 2021 | 4:00 PM

A number of infrastructure projects in the Prince Albert region have received the green light, thanks to funding commitments by the provincial and federal levels of government.

Maryam Monsef, Canada’s minister for women and gender equality and rural economic development, and Saskatchewan’s government relations minister Don McMorris, have announced more than $13.6 million in joint funding for 30 provincial projects, through the Investing in Canada plan – $6.7 million coming from the federal government.

Upgrades to the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at Beardy’s Okemasis Cree Nation, as well as an outdoor community arena at Christopher Lake, are among the projects listed in a media release Tuesday. Both projects are still very much in the preliminary discussion phase so further specifics cannot be discussed.

“It is only by working together with all levels of governments that we will be able to resolve the challenges facing rural communities across Canada, especially during the current pandemic,” Monsef said in a statement.

With respect to the work being done at Beardy’s Okemasis Cree Nation, the project details include electrical and mechanical upgrade to the current Veteran’s Hall, as well as overall site improvements. Over $750,000 is coming from the federal government, and over $250,000 from the provincial government.

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For the work at Christopher lake, the federal and provincial levels have committed over $180,000. The project details include a new gathering structure for seniors, as well as the outdoor community arena. A remaining $66,000 is coming from municipal or other funding.

Also included with Tuesday’s announcement is a curling rink re-build at Canwood. A total of 13 bridge improvement projects, 11 water and waste water projects and six recreation projects are to be completed. Speaking with paNOW by phone, Minister of Government Relations Don McMorris explained that unlike other shovel ready projects to be done within a year, there is no timeline attached to these projects.

“As a provincial government we are glad to put $6.9 million out to these projects because we know they are needed in the communities. There’s more to do in the future and there will be more announcements in the future,” he said.

McMorris said the theme at this week’s Municipalities of Saskatchewan (SUMA) convention has been infrastructure, adding he’s heard concerns from all corners of the province related to waste water treatment issues as well as needs to build community halls and rinks. In addition to the obvious benefit the projects offer the respective communities, McMorris explained the projects will also help create jobs.

“We know through COVID that there’s been some sectors that have really felt the impact of the pandemic more than others and this is just a way to help stimulate activity in many communities,” McMorris said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell