The City of Lloydminster received funding for a new events arena, to replace the Centennial Civic Centre. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Provincial-federal support

New infrastructure funding announced for Cochin and Lloydminster

Apr 18, 2023 | 3:49 PM

Two communities in the northwest region of Saskatchewan will receive funding, as part of the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan’s announcement of support for more than 20 infrastructure projects in the province, through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), a joint contribution of a more than $42.1 million.

The City of Lloydminster will receive support for its new events arena.

In the breakdown, the federal government will provide $16,463,508, the provincial government will give $16,665,000, with the City of Lloydminster covering $16,871,492, based on preliminary estimated costs of the project.

Funding will support the construction of a new arena in the City of Lloydminster, featuring two indoor and one outdoor regulation-sized rinks, including “sledge hockey-friendly amenities.” The building will offer accessible seating and washrooms for spectators and dressing rooms for hockey teams. The new arena will be an “inclusive and accessible space where residents can gather to enjoy sports and community events,” according to the province’s release.

City of Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers said funding for this important event facility is appreciated.

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“When construction is completed, this new infrastructure will be transformational to our community and region by allowing us to attract an array of large-scale events and entertainment options. It will also support enhanced recreation and culture opportunities for people of all ages and all abilities,” he said.

For the Resort Village of Cochin, the municipality will receive funding to rehabilitate its breakwater, an offshore structure that protects against erosion.

The federal government will provide $441,215, the province $367,642 to assist with the project. For the Cochin project, the federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.

The project involves revitalizing and rehabilitating the existing breakwater, currently in an advanced state of disrepair.

In addition to helping against erosion, the breakwater also maintains fish spawning area, and enables free movement of water between lake systems, so the project is vital to the area.

Resort Village of Cochin Mayor Harvey Walker was pleased to receive the support.

“When the work is finished, it will extend the service life of this important infrastructure, which is key to ensuring recreation opportunities for all who live, work, play and visit the area,” he said.

In total, the federal government will invest more than $20 million through the Rural and Northern Infrastructure Stream of the ICIP, to support 21 projects across Saskatchewan. The Government of Saskatchewan will contribute more than $21 million. The recipient municipalities will provide more than $23 million and will be responsible for any additional costs.

Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Dominic LeBlanc said the projects will help make life better for people in Saskatchewan.

“The investments we are making will improve the quality of life of residents across Saskatchewan,” he said. “We will continue working with our partners to invest in community infrastructure and build a better future for all Saskatchewanians.”

Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Don McMorris was glad to see the support for these projects that will also help “create greater recreation opportunities and gathering places, strengthening the hearts of communities.”

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

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