Photo credit: above Jeff Wizniak - Meanwhile in Saskatchewan Facebook
CITY OF SASKATOON TO BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED PUBLIC TRANSIT AND A NEW LEISURE CENTRE
Five infrastructure projects in Saskatoon will increase access to leisure activities, as well as high frequency and reliable transit thanks to the combined investment of more than $151.9 million from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, along with the City of Saskatoon. Announced by Jenna Sudds, Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Don McMorris and Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark, this project will result in a better connected, healthier city.
Development of Saskatoon's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be launched with four different projects. Through today's funding the first of three planned BRT lines will have 16 new stops along approximately 15 kilometres, running between the west and northeast areas of Saskatoon. To provide accessibility and sustainability, approximately 25 low floor, zero-emission buses and 30 diesel buses will replace and upgrade the existing fleet. The BRT system will help Saskatoon Transit accommodate the city's expected growth and will improve reliability and resiliency. The increased capacity will also help to address the current bus shortage.
The City will also receive funding to construct a new leisure centre in the Holmwood Sector. The facility will be fully accessible with proposed features including a pool for lane swimming and leisure activities, a fitness and weight room as well as multipurpose and childminding spaces. The new East Side Leisure Centre will provide nearly 70,000 residents of this east end community with more opportunities to come together, stay active, and make long-lasting memories.
"We are focused on building a brighter, more resilient, and more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren," said Sudds. "That means investing in infrastructure that builds stronger, healthier communities and helps connect residents to work, school and each other. Projects like today's announcement support our shared vision of a greener, better connected Saskatoon. The transit improvements and expansions will improve commuters' experience and comfort, while the new recreation centre will promote active lifestyles. We will continue to invest in projects that help lower emissions and make it easier for Canadians to get to their destinations."
“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support these important projects with an investment of nearly $34 million," McMorris said. "Public transit plays a vital role in the flow and function of a large centre like Saskatoon, and residents deserve a reliable bus system to carry them to their destinations. One of those destinations will someday be the new leisure centre, where I’m sure countless memories will be made, and experiences shared. These are investments in Saskatchewan people and the great lives that are built in this province.”
"This transformational investment in infrastructure is crucial to creating a vibrant Saskatoon for our growing population," Clark said. "The Bus Rapid Transit system and related roadway infrastructure improvements will make moving around our city more efficient and reliable for all users. The new East Side Leisure Centre will provide much needed sport, recreational and cultural opportunities. Thank you to our partners in the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan for making these projects possible."
Quick facts:
- The Government of Canada is investing $60,789,075 in these projects. The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $33,986,861 and the City of Saskatoon is contributing $57,196,751.
- Including today's announcement, four infrastructure projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Saskatchewan, with a total federal contribution of more than $44.5 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $20.4 million.
- Including today's announcement, 36 infrastructure projects under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Saskatchewan, with a total federal contribution of more than $90.6 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $39.7 million.
REPORT FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy continues to lead the nation. Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.0 per cent and led the nation in 2022. The total dollar value was $76.7 billion, led by an impressive 45.6 per cent increase in the agriculture sector, along with strong increases in mining, oil and gas extraction, accommodation and food services, construction and manufacturing. Our government will continue to support the economic development of Saskatchewan as we build and protect our communities.
Our strong and growing economy is being recognized around the globe. Recently, our Premier and Minister of Trade and Export Development received the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) Member of the Year Award for our longstanding relationship with the C-IBC and the strengthening of economic and social ties between Saskatchewan and India.
India is a major export market for Saskatchewan producers; in 2022, we exported $1.4 billion of products to India, an increase of over 130 per cent from the previous year. This increase contributed significantly to the GDP growth Saskatchewan saw last year.
A growing economy allows our government to invest back into Saskatchewan, building and protecting the programs and services that make Saskatchewan strong. We recently announced the creation of over 2,300 new regulated childcare spaces in the province through a joint provincial and federal investment of $23.5 million. A total of 51 organizations in 41 communities will use the funding to build new facilities of expand existing ones.
Among these organizations is Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, which will be acquiring land to open two 90-space childcare centres in Saskatoon and Regina. This investment will provide families greater access to affordable, high-quality early learning and childcare opportunities and support positive childhood development, early literacy and student achievement.
Our government recently introduced The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act to protect Saskatchewan families from the unfair and unaffordable federal carbon tax.
On October 30, Premier Scott Moe announced that SaskEnergy will stop collecting the carbon tax on January 1, 2024, in response to the federal government’s decision to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil, which primarily benefits families in Atlantic Canada. The Premier was clear that the federal government should extend this exemption to all forms of home heating, but if they refused to do so, Saskatchewan would stop collecting the carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills.
This legislation will give our provincial government and the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) the sole authority and responsibility for decisions regarding the collection and remittance of the federal carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills, while also protecting SaskEnergy employees and board members.
This policy will save the average Saskatchewan family $400 in 2024. Our government still believes, and has always believed, that the carbon tax should be removed on everything, for everyone. But until that happens, with this legislation, our government is taking the necessary steps to protect Saskatchewan families’ ability to afford to heat their homes this winter.
As our government continues its work to build and protect Saskatchewan, we look forward to hearing from you! Conversations with constituents help shape government policy and allow us to represent your best interests in the Legislature. To reach my constituency office, you can contact ken.cheveldayoff.mla@sasktel.net or call 306.651.7100.
SANTA CLAUS DAY PARADE HELD IN SASKATOON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
I can't remember a Santa Claus Day Parade in Saskatoon with such fantastic weather. It was great to see literally thousands of people line the streets. The spirited crowd and the large number of floats and those participating made the day extra special.
It was certainly a great way to get in the Christmas holiday spirit.
Congratulations and thank you to the organizing committee for once again doing an outstanding job!
SASKATCHEWAN RESEARCH COUNCIL AND NORTH WEST COLLEGE COLLABORATE ON NEW PLASTIC WELDING PILOT PROGRAM
The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) and North West College announced a new, innovative plastic welding pilot program that will be the first-of-its-kind in Saskatchewan. This exciting collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field of plastics welding.
In fall 2023, SRC worked collaboratively with North West College to develop a plastic welding pilot program which the college has now successfully turned into a value-added, micro-credential program, geared to individuals looking to expand their welding capabilities.
This program includes short-term, focused training that equips students with the specialized skills required for welding polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. PVC welding is a critical skill in industries such as construction, manufacturing and infrastructure development.
"This government is dedicated to supporting training initiatives, like this one, that foster specialized professional development," Minister Responsible for SRC Jeremy Harrison said. "This program will help train a new generation of specialized plastic welders, growing Saskatchewan's manufacturing and fabrication workforce, offering exciting career options in technology, engineering and construction fields."
Saskatchewan Research Council and North West College Collaborate on New Plastic Welding Pilot Program | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan
