The Government of Canada is using every tool at its disposal, leveraging technology, innovation and partnerships, to build homes at scale.
To that end, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, and the Honourable Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations, announced a joint investment of more than $25.9 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to develop or improve the essential water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure needed to build more homes, faster. They were joined by the Mayor of Regina, Chad Bachynski, and the Mayor of Moose Jaw, James Murdock.
In total, these investments will enable the construction of up to 29,370 housing units across three cities. These projects are part of the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan's funding agreement that is paving the way for the construction of more homes to support a growing population.
In Regina, the Taylor Field Redevelopment project will benefit from new and upgraded water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. This project is part of the seven-acre housing development on the Taylor Field grounds, and will ensure the City is able to support the new houses that will be built.
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are also investing in projects in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. In Saskatoon, this funding will support the expansion of the Material Recovery Centre, helping the City of Saskatoon to achieve its goal of diverting 70% of waste from its landfill. This project will expand acceptance of waste from construction and demolition, bulky waste, and hazardous household waste. The expansion includes new collection areas for materials such as yard waste and bulky items, as well as a new shredder, excavator, trucks, and roll-off bins.
In Moose Jaw, the Spring Creek Stormwater Management Project will help to protect homes, reduce flooding, and support future housing development. The project includes replacing pipes, upgrading roads, and rerouting pipes to improve the stormwater systems and enable more housing development. These upgrades will result in a more resilient community prepared for future growth and changing climate conditions.
These types of important infrastructure projects support the Government of Canada's goal to address the housing crisis, and complement the work of Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will build affordable homes, support builders with financing, and encourage better building methods.
Together, we will make housing more affordable by unleashing the power of public-private cooperation, catalysing a modern housing industry, and creating new careers in the skilled trades.
