Saskatchewan Cities Receive $25.9M Infrastructure Funding from Federal and Provincial Governments
Federal and provincial officials have announced a joint investment of $25.9 million into infrastructure projects in Regina, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw. This represents the first round of 2026 funding from the federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), aimed at supporting municipal development and housing initiatives across Saskatchewan.
Funding Announcement at Municipal Convention
Minister of Government Relations Eric Schmalz made the announcement on Monday at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association's annual convention in Regina. He was joined by Secretary of Rural Development Buckley Belanger and representatives from the three recipient cities. "These municipalities have been waiting for projects and funding like this," Schmalz stated during the event, emphasizing the significance of the investment for local communities.
Project Breakdown Across Three Cities
The funding distribution targets specific infrastructure needs in each municipality:
- Regina: Receives more than $10 million to support redeveloping the former Taylor Field site, once home to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The project will transform the seven-acre lot into park space and housing, with plans for up to 500 housing units after underground water infrastructure upgrades are completed.
- Saskatoon: Granted over $3 million to expand its Material Recovery Centre inside the city landfill. This expansion will enable the facility to accept materials from construction and hazardous household waste, improving waste management capabilities.
- Moose Jaw: Allocated $11 million for the Spring Creek stormwater management project, which aims to enhance water infrastructure and mitigate flooding risks in the area.
Financial Contributions and Future Funding
Under the CHIF model, funding for all three projects is split between municipal, provincial, and federal governments. The province is contributing $11.8 million, the federal government $14.1 million, and the respective cities $9.4 million. Schmalz indicated that this round of funding is not the last, with Saskatchewan set to deliver a total of $156 million through CHIF this year, alongside the federal government's $187.9 million commitment. "Those announcements will benefit municipalities across Saskatchewan," he promised.
Local Impact and Housing Potential
Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski expressed optimism about the funding, noting it will help complete necessary water infrastructure upgrades at the Taylor Field site. "I know there's been preliminary conversations with developers throughout the community to gauge that interest, and there's absolutely interest. There has been for a long time," he said at the announcement. Once upgrades are finished, the city plans to issue a request for proposals from developers to move forward with housing construction.
Overall, federal and provincial officials estimate that advancing these three projects will enable the construction of as many as 29,370 new housing units across Regina, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw, addressing housing needs while supporting environmental and infrastructure improvements.
