Legislative Report (5 February 2009)

Accelerating $500 Million For Infrastructure

Your Saskatchewan Party government has announced the acceleration of infrastructure funding across the province. $500 million of the $1.5 billion infrastructure spending commitment scheduled for 2009-10 will now be provided in the current fiscal year in order to keep our economy strong. $131.6 million of the overall $500 million will go to municipal infrastructure projects throughout the province; of this $131.6 million, $100 million will be delivered on a per capita basis. Municipalities are eligible for $108.79 per capita and based upon the 2006 census:

• $58 million will go to cities;
• $15.8 million to towns;
• $5.1 million to villages and resorts;
• $19.2 million to rural municipalities; and
• $1.9 million to northern municipalities;

$31.6 million in additional funding is being provided for new projects under the Building Canada Fund. While Saskatchewan’s economy is still performing well, our government is taking action now to prevent a downturn. This accelerated infrastructure spending will provide an “economic booster shot” to ensure Saskatchewan’s economy remains strong in 2009. For further information see Municipal Economic Enhancement Program.

$152.8 MILLION FOR 13 NEW LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

Your Saskatchewan Party government is also using the “economic booster shot” to benefit the residents of long term care facilities. $152.8 million will fund the replacement of 13 outdated long-term care facilities across the province. More than 540 long-term care residents will benefit from these new facilities to be located in the following communities:

• Maple Creek (Cypress Lodge Nursing Home & Maple Creek Hospital: 48 long-term beds);
• Rosetown (Wheatbelt Centennial Lodge: 47 long-term care beds);
• Kerrobert (Kerrobert Integrated Health Centre: 36 long-term beds);
• Biggar (Biggar Diamond Lodge: 59 long-term beds);
• Tisdale (Sasko Park Lodge: 33 long-term beds);
• Kelvington (Kelvindell Lodge: 46 long-term beds); Meadow Lake (Northland Pioneers Lodge: 55 long-term beds);
• Prince Albert (Pineview Terrace Lodge: 50 long-term beds);
• Shellbrook (Parkland Terrace and Shellbrook Hospital: 34 long-term beds);
• Watrous (Manitou Lodge: 35 long-term care beds);
• Redvers (Redvers Health Centre: 24 long-term care beds);
• Kipling (Willowdale Lodge: 28 long-term beds);
• Radville (Radville Marian Health Centre: 52 long-term care beds).

In addition to the $152.8 million investment in new long-term care facilities, our government has already committed $198 million in this fiscal year for badly needed construction, repairs, and safety upgrades at healthcare facilities. By investing in these facilities, we are taking steps to ensure the safety and comfort of both long-term care facility residents and health care providers.

MORE FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Another aspect of the “economic booster shot” is the acceleration of $30 million in infrastructure spending to address housing affordability for students, low-income households and people with intellectual disabilities. Our government is providing:

• $12-million to renovate the Milton Heights apartment complex in south-central Regina, providing housing options for low-income individuals and families;
• $100,000 in capital funding to the Saskatchewan Abilities Council in Yorkton;
• $400,000 in one-time capital for the Maidstone Group Home Society Inc. to renovate and expand their facility;
• $2.3 million in funding for 12 unit seniors housing development put forward by the Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc.; and
• $100,000 for the Langenburg and District Activity Centre Inc. to operate a new group home.

Your Saskatchewan Party government believes that working hand in hand with various community partners is one of the best ways to ensure that the vulnerable members of our society receive the support they need.

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE OF STUDENT HOUSING

Affordable student housing has also been identified as an infrastructure challenge that needs to be met. Our government understands that and has announced $15 million for the construction of new on-campus residences at the University of Saskatchewan consisting of approximately 400 beds. The funding is also part of the Ministry of Social Service's nearly $30 million in accelerated infrastructure spending. The residences will be built on university-owned land located across the street from the main campus. This public investment is meant to help students succeed in their studies and ultimately, stay in Saskatchewan after they graduate. This significant investment in affordable housing will benefit students, our community and the entire province.

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