Saskatchewan Communities to Benefit from Federal Gas Tax Fund
Modern, up-to-date public infrastructure helps connect people to jobs, improve access to community services, attract new businesses and create economic growth.
In July, the Government of Canada delivered the first of two $29.5 million federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) installments to Saskatchewan for the 2017-18 fiscal year. In total, Saskatchewan will be provided with more than $59.1 million.
The funding, which flows through the provincial government to communities on a per capita basis, is available to support community infrastructure projects. Based on planned projects for 2017, GTF funding will support approximately 500 local infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan this year.
Examples of projects being funded include the replacement of five water mains, three hydrants and three curb stops in the Village of Abernethy, and upgrades to three bridges and the replacement of a culvert in the RM of Connaught No. 457. The Village of Frobisher will use their funding to replace local park amenities including play structures and picnic tables.
The range of planned projects demonstrates the flexibility the GTF provides. The two Gas Tax Fund installments are in addition to funds flowing to Saskatchewan under the Investing in Canada plan.
“Through the federal Gas Tax Fund, communities across Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada can direct federal funding to the infrastructure projects that address the most pressing needs of local residents and businesses, from improving drinking water to building new recreational facilities,” said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada is proud to deliver a predictable, long-term funding program that helps build sustainable communities, encourage economic opportunities and middle-class job creation, and improve Canadians’ overall quality of life.”
“The Gas Tax Fund strengthens communities through investments to municipal infrastructure,” Government Relations Minister Larry Doke said. “The province of Saskatchewan recognizes investments from this and other funding programs help meet the challenges of growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens.”
Quick Facts:
- By the end of 2017-2018, $604 million will have been provided to Saskatchewan through the federal GTF since the program was first introduced in 2005.
- The federal GTF makes more than $2 billion available each year, and provides each community across Canada with a permanent, predictable and indexed source of long-term funding. The funding is made available to Saskatchewan in two annual installments, in July and February.
- The federal GTF offers significant flexibility. Local communities can make strategic investments across 18 different project categories, including roads and bridges, public transit, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and recreational facilities. Communities can use the funds immediately for priority projects, bank the funds for later use, pool the dollars with other communities for shared infrastructure projects or use it to finance major infrastructure expenditures.
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.