YORKTON, SK, Oct. 13, 2026 /CNW/ -- Communities across Saskatchewan will benefit from improved water, wastewater, drainage and sewer infrastructure that will help support housing growth, community development, and economic opportunities, following a joint investment of more than $74 million from the federal and provincial governments.

This was announced by the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development; the Honourable Lori Carr, Saskatchewan's Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health; and his Worship Aaron Kienle, Mayor of Yorkton.

Funding will support Phase 1 of the City of Yorkton's Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal Project, including upgrades to the H.M. Bailey Water Pollution Control Plant's Headworks facility. This work will increase treatment capacity, and improve downstream quality and environmental outcomes by protecting the cleanliness of Yorkton Creek and users of the Assiniboine Watershed, including Cote First Nation, Keesekoose First Nation, and the City of Brandon, Manitoba. The project will also support future housing and economic growth in Yorkton, including the potential development of the population equivalent of 7,150 additional housing units.

In the Town of La Ronge, the existing sanitary sewer system along Bedford Drive and Louis Road will be extended to support the construction of two residential apartment buildings. The project will enable approximately 124 new housing units through the installation of 860 metres of sewer main connecting the sites to the nearby sewage pumping station.

Several additional communities will also benefit from improvements to essential services that will support growth, including water treatment upgrades in the towns of Shellbrook and Arcola, wastewater expansion in the City of Estevan, water system improvements in the City of Swift Current, and water and sewer expansion in the Town of Big River. Other projects include an infrastructure master plan for the Town of Naicam, flood mitigation and drainage improvements in the Town of Warman, and lagoon expansion in the Rural Municipality of St. Louis No. 431.

Quotes

"Building Canada Strong starts with building strong communities — and infrastructure is the backbone of our communities. Through a partnership between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, we're investing more than $74 million towards priority community projects, from major wastewater upgrades in Yorkton to new sewer infrastructure supporting housing in La Ronge, as well as essential water and flood protection projects in communities big and small, right across our province."

The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development

"Infrastructure investments are an important piece in building and sustaining growth across Saskatchewan. People raise their families and businesses in Saskatchewan because of our strong economy, our vibrant people and our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth. We are excited that these projects are moving forward so residents can benefit from modern, reliable infrastructure that make our communities strong and safe now and for generations to come."

The Honourable Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations

"This is a significant day for Yorkton. This funding represents the largest grant our city has ever received and allows us to begin the Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal Project, the largest infrastructure project in Yorkton's history. We're incredibly grateful to the federal and provincial governments for their investment and for recognizing the importance of this project to our community. There is still more work ahead, but today is a major step forward and one worth celebrating."

His Worship Aaron Kienle, Mayor of Yorkton

"This funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan through the Canada Housing and Infrastructure Fund, combined with the Town of La Ronge's contributions, will help realize a significant housing project for the community that will go along way in alleviating the existing housing shortage. It will also provide living accommodations for people who come to work in our community as part of new developments currently under construction, like the Saskatchewan Health Authority's long-term care facility and the new regional RCMP detachment."

His Worship Joe Hordyski, Mayor of La Ronge

Related products

• Backgrounder: Canada and Saskatchewan invest in housing-enabling infrastructure across the province

Quick facts 

• The federal government is investing $40,137,767 towards these projects through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, while the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing $33,444,793. In addition, municipal recipients are contributing a combined total of $26,271,798 toward their respective projects. The federal government is also investing an additional $490,057 through the Canada Community-Building Fund.
• Part of Budget 2024, the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) is investing up to $6 billion for the construction and upgrading of core public infrastructure that will enable housing growth and densification in communities across Canada. 
• CHIF is designed to help communities build the infrastructure necessary to support more homes and increase housing density. The funding can be used for projects that improve drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, as well as initiatives that preserve existing capacity, enhance system reliability, or implement waste diversion measures to reduce landfill use.
• A share of CHIF is allocated to support long-term provincial and territorial priorities. Provinces and territories must finalize an agreement with the Government of Canada and commit to key housing-enabling conditions to receive funding. Funding for those provinces and territories that do not conclude an agreement will be transferred to the direct delivery stream of CHIF. 
• Funding through the direct delivery stream of CHIF is supporting important infrastructure projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities. The intake for this stream is now closed.
• Build Canada Homes was launched on September 14, 2025 and is focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Alongside this effort, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will continue to deliver on its mandate to contribute to the well-being of Canada's housing system through existing programs such as the Apartment Construction Loan Program and Mortgage Loan Insurance products.
• The Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to strengthen the economy by investing in Canadians and supporting Canadian businesses.
• Federal actions are creating good jobs, accelerating home building and helping communities grow across the country.
• In a fast changing world, we need to act decisively to build Canada Strong. The Prairie Partnership Initiative (PPI) is about building a dynamic, sustainable, inclusive economy in the Prairie Provinces.
• PPI accelerates collaboration and investment across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
• The PPI ensures federal programs across numerous departments are more responsive to regional priorities and seize opportunities to create prosperity.
• Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.

Associated Links 

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/chif-fcil/index-eng.html

Fairness for Every Generation
https://www.budget.canada.ca/2024/home-accueil-en.html

Solving the Housing Crisis: Canada's Housing Plan
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/housing-logement/housing-plan-logement-eng.html

Growing communities and building more homes, faster
https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2024/04/02/growing-communities-and-building-more-homesfaster 

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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities