SUMA met with officials from the Ministry of Government Relations last week for an update on federal infrastructure programs. This meeting followed the receipt of a letter from the federal minister of infrastructure, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, to the Ministers of Government Relations, and Highways and Infrastructure outlining details on the Government of Canada’s infrastructure programs.
New Building Canada Fund (NBCF)
Canada has asked that the province commit all remaining funds (roughly $130 million) from the small communities and the municipal portion of the national/regional program components of the NBCF - Provincial and Territorial Component to projects by March 2018.
As of April 2016, 37 projects have been approved for funding. The ministry advised that there are currently 20 projects remaining for possible approval.
Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF)
Saskatchewan has been allocated $29 million from this fund to support investments in public transit in Saskatchewan cities that report on transit ridership.
Clean Water Wastewater Fund (CWWF)
Saskatchewan will be receiving $89,342,112 for clean water and wastewater projects. The Government of Canada’s portion towards these projects will be 50 per cent of the total cost. The remaining 50 per cent will be covered by the province and local government. SUMA has communicated to the province that local governments share should be reduced to 17 per cent, while the province keeps their share at 33 per cent. No decisions have been made on the municipal/provincial funding breakdown.
SUMA does not yet have details on when applications for the PTIF and CWWF programs will be received.
