Blur image of traffic jam in the city
by SHCA SHCA

55 New Projects Receive Funding Through Provincial Traffic Safety Fund

Blur image of traffic jam in the city

Grants totalling more than $1.3 million have been awarded to 55 projects that will improve traffic safety in 49 communities across Saskatchewan.

The grants are coming from the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund, helping to fund projects that focus on different aspects of traffic and pedestrian safety, including:

  • Installation of artwork by youth on Cote First Nation as an effort to prevent impaired driving;
  • Addition of speed display signs, speed bumps and signage to improve traffic safety around intersections in Arcola; and
  • Installation of pedestrian crossing signs in Moose Jaw to improve safety for vulnerable road users.

“I am thrilled to see communities benefit from the Traffic Safety Fund with projects that will make Saskatchewan streets safer,” Minister responsible for SGI Dustin Duncan said. “I would like to thank those who submitted applications and encourage all municipalities to consider applying for traffic safety projects in their communities.”

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants range from $1,148 to $100,000. The maximum amount of funding municipalities and Indigenous lands or territories can apply for is $100,000. Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants are awarded to communities twice a year, using proceeds from Photo Speed Enforcement. With this latest round of grants, $11.5 million has been provided through the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund since its establishment in 2019.

Applications are currently being accepted for the next round of funding. The application deadline is Sept. 30, 2024. Eligible traffic safety initiatives must focus on one of the following priority areas: speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, vulnerable road users, medically-at-risk drivers, occupant protection and intersection safety. 

Applications are reviewed by a committee made up of representatives from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Highways and SGI.

River Landing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
by SHCA SHCA

SaskWater Infrastructure Projects in 2023-24 Bolster Economic Growth and Development in Saskatchewan

SaskWater finished the 2023-24 fiscal year with solid financial results, including $8.7 million in net income, up from $8.6 million the previous year.

Of the Crown corporation’s $87 million investment in capital projects, the most significant initiative was the Regina regional non-potable water supply system. SaskWater and its local contractor completed installation of 65 kilometres of pipeline between Regina and Belle Plaine in 2023, joining the new transmission system to existing water supply infrastructure. 

“Our government is committed to growing Saskatchewan’s economy, and SaskWater has furthered this goal by significantly expanding the type of infrastructure that fuels investment,” Minister responsible for SaskWater Dustin Duncan said. “Supporting industry will help us grow our population, create more jobs and establish a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people.”

The pipeline is positioned to serve several value-added agriculture projects announced for the Regina area. The system’s phased construction design allows additional capacity to be added as customer demand grows, helping SaskWater provide timely and competitive services. 

SaskWater also contributed to the province’s goal to expand irrigation in Saskatchewan. SaskWater collaborated with the Water Security Agency to expand irrigation service along its Saskatoon southeast water supply system. The canal system currently serves three potash mines and provides irrigation to 20,000 acres of land. In 2023-24, SaskWater expanded its irrigated acres by 3,000 and gained approval to grow that number to 7,700, with a total of 15,000 acres identified for irrigation expansion by 2026-27. SaskWater also looks forward to providing service to SaskPower’s new Aspen gas-fired power plant, set to come online in 2027. 

In partnership with a start-up Saskatchewan tech company, SaskWater implemented a new service offering for communities that require occasional or temporary assistance with troubleshooting or staffing of their water and wastewater facilities. Through this partnership, SaskWater is well positioned to help smaller communities that could benefit from its experience and expertise.

“We look forward to building relationships and trust with municipalities across Saskatchewan,” SaskWater President and CEO Doug Matthies said. “In doing so, we hope that these new partners will look to SaskWater should they need broader solutions down the road, particularly in terms of potential regional benefits.”

SaskWater recorded its highest ever customer satisfaction rating in 2023-24, with a score of 8.5 out of ten. A total of 92.5 per cent of customers surveyed reported satisfaction with SaskWater services with several significant customer water supply agreements being renewed and extended over the long-term.

In order to maintain and improve these standards of service delivery, SaskWater implemented innovations in technology in the areas of customer sales and service, GIS mapping and safety. An added emphasis on operator training with tools such as drones and remotely operated vehicles also expands the services SaskWater can provide to its customers.

SaskWater owns nine water treatment plants, three wastewater facilities, 136.94 kilometres of canal and 1,055 kilometres of pipeline currently in service.

Drop, To appreciate the value of water.
by SHCA SHCA

After Calgary’s Water Crisis, a Globe Analysis Finds Trouble Brewing in Canada’s Pipes

“We’ve got really aging infrastructure in all of our cities that is 50 to 100 years old that needs replacement – and we put it off,” said Robert Haller, executive director of the Canadian Water & Wastewater Association, which advocates the federal government on behalf of municipal water agencies.

“It’s almost like gambling. Each year, you roll the dice, and you hope you’ll get another year out of your infrastructure. But at some point, you have to replace it. It’s always cheaper to plan a replacement than to let it collapse.”

Click here to read article.

The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan in the City of Regina. Regina is the provincial capital of Saskatchewan, Canada.
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba Continue Collaboration on the Joint Memorandum of Understanding

Ministers for highways and transportation in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba met on July 4 in Saskatoon to continue work to strengthen economic corridors that support Canada’s supply chains. It has been a year since a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the three provinces.

The MOU commits the partners to jointly working to improve our shared transportation system, to ensure the strength and competitiveness of the Prairie provinces.

Over the past year, the focus has been on regulatory harmonization, advocacy and regional planning. These priorities will continue with additional work on improving multi-modal transport infrastructure for the efficient movement of exports and imports.

The provinces are working on co-ordinated improvements that benefit the entire region, and they link producers more efficiently to markets across the globe. They are creating a prairie regional economic corridor to guide strategic investments in transportation. 

“By keeping the momentum of the Prairies MOU going, we can continue to improve western economic corridors that will enable the efficient movement of Prairie exports and imports to and from markets around the world,” Alberta Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said.

“For Saskatchewan people, improving transportation efficiency with initiatives like these supports our strong and growing export-based economy,” Saskatchewan Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “A strategic approach helps the province invest in key services and helps build and protect our quality of life.”

Saskatchewan has achieved its Growth Plan pledge to increase exports by 50 per cent. The province continues to expand export infrastructure to increase the mobility of Saskatchewan’s products to international markets over the next decade. Exports support a vibrant business community and ensure an improving quality of life for Saskatchewan people.

Seventy per cent of Saskatchewan’s economy is dependent on exports. In 2023, Saskatchewan exported $49.3 billion in goods. Saskatchewan goods reached 163 countries, with 32 of those countries receiving over $100 million in provincial exports.

Yellow hard hat
by SHCA SHCA

Company Fined $325,000 for Workplace Injury and Fatality

Yellow hard hat
kardaska/123rf

On May 14, 2024, Spiritwood Stockyards (1984) Ltd. pleaded guilty in Spiritwood Provincial Court to two violations of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

The company was fined for contravening subsection 7-6 (1) of the regulations (being an employer fail where there is a risk of injury to the head of a worker to provide approved industrial protective headwear and require a worker to use it, resulting in the serious injury of a worker), as well as contravening subsection 9-2 (2) of the regulations (being an employer fail to ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a temporary or permanent work area if a worker may fall three metres or more; or there is a possibility of injury if a worker falls less than three metres, resulting in the death of a worker).

The Court imposed a total fine of $232,142.86 with a surcharge of $92,857.14, for a total amount of $325,000. Five other charges were withdrawn.

The charges stemmed from two separate incidents that occurred near Spiritwood, Saskatchewan. The first occurred on November 11, 2021, where a worker was struck by a gate and seriously injured while attempting to load bulls onto a trailer.

The second incident occurred on January 26, 2022, where a worker was fatally injured while attempting to clear snow off a roof when the worker fell through a fiberglass skylight.

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, intervention and enforcement.

Farmer looking at equipment with sun setting in background
by SHCA SHCA

Water Security Agency Investing $1 Million in Water Infrastructure Projects to Provide a Sustainable Future for Northern Saskatchewan

Farmer looking at equipment with sun setting in background
pavelshlykov/123rf

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is working on key water infrastructure projects stretching from the Prince Albert to Meadow Lake regions. These projects are within three Northern Saskatchewan watersheds, the Churchill River Watershed, Saskatchewan River Watershed and North Saskatchewan River Watershed.

The projects include:

  • Cowan Lake Dam structure replacement
  • Candle Lake Dam structure and stoplog upgrades
  • Christopher Lake outlet structure

“A sustainable and reliable water supply is fundamental and is especially important in Northern Saskatchewan,” WSA Minister David Marit said. “As Northern Saskatchewan continues to grow, and we see increased water demands – maintaining our infrastructure is critical to continue to meet the social, environmental and economic needs for all users in these regions, including our Indigenous communities and rural municipalities.”

More than $1 million is being invested into these three projects in 2024-25. 

The Cowan Lake structure replacement, east of Meadow Lake, is the largest of the three projects. This year, WSA will begin work on the detailed design of the new Cowan Lake Dam, which will include an upgraded dam, replacing the control structure and a riffle fishway approximately 35 metres upstream of the existing structure. This is a multi-year project and is currently in the procurement stage. 

North of Prince Albert, the Candle Lake Dam project is concluding safety upgrades to improve the operating conditions of the structure for safety to both WSA operators and the public, as well as a pedestrian walkway to provide the public dedicated space to cross the structure. WSA also installed a new system for lifting bulkheads and upgraded the fishway inlet structure. The total investment for this project is $2 million.

“A sustainable and reliable water supply is fundamental and is especially important in northern Saskatchewan.”

– David Marit, Water Security Agency

Southwest of Candle Lake, WSA replaced the control structure at the Christopher Lake outlet with a precast concrete structure. This will allow the structure to be operated more safely and efficiently for WSA operations staff and includes public safety fencing and guardrails. The total investment for this project is $800,000. Wrap up activities are progressing.

These projects were identified as a priority as part of the 10-Year Rolling Infrastructure Rehabilitation Plan – part of WSA’s effort to advance priority maintenance projects for the long-term safety and security of citizens of this province. 

WSA is investing more than $42 million in 2024-25 to advance more than 60 key water infrastructure projects with a focus on ensuring Saskatchewan’s infrastructure supports a sustainable, adaptable and reliable water supply. Since 2012, WSA has invested nearly $255M in the province’s water management infrastructure.

Business market financial charts and graphs 3d render
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Building Construction Investment Up 21.2 Per Cent

May’s numbers for investment in building construction from Statistics Canada show that Saskatchewan has seen a 21.2 per cent year-over-year increase in this category in March 2024 over March 2023 (seasonally adjusted), which ranks third in terms of percentage change among the provinces. This follows in the wake of the 19.4 per cent year-over-year increase that was recorded in February 2024 (seasonally adjusted). 

“It is clear that people and businesses are more confident investing in Saskatchewan than ever before,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our construction sector is seeing this growth because of the deliberate efforts we’ve made to create a creative business environment industry can rely on. This unprecedented investment into the province is creating new jobs and opportunities in every corner of our province.”

In March 2024, investment in building construction totaled $392 million in Saskatchewan.

Investment in building construction is calculated based on the total spending value on building construction within the province.

A report released by Statistics Canada earlier in May indicates that the value of building permits in Saskatchewan increased by 15.8 per cent year-over-year for March 2024 compared to March 2023 (seasonally adjusted). 

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

On the highway between Grande Prairie and Grande Cache Alberta Canada
by SHCA SHCA

Highways 6 and 39 Project South of Regina to Resume Construction This Spring

Highways Minister Lori Carr announced an estimated $57-million-project will resume construction this spring to twin segments of Highways 6 and 39 between Regina and southeast of Corinne.

“Work will continue on this important corridor to ultimately enhance the safety and efficiency of tourism, trade and commuter traffic,” Carr said. “Transportation infrastructure projects support our strong and growing export-based economy, which sustains our quality of life in our great province of Saskatchewan.”

The project includes nearly 15km of twinning on two Highway 6 segments:

  • One 7.8km long segment south of Regina between the Bypass and the Highway 306 turnoff; and
  • One 7.1km long segment north of Corinne on Highway 6 to southeast of Corrine on Highway 39.

Nearly 13km of the existing lanes of Highways 6 and 39 from north of Corinne to southeast of Milestone will also be repaved.

The two-year project began in 2023. It resumed in May and is expected to be completed this year, pending weather. Drivers can expect minor delays through work zones with one-way traffic. Flaggers will be present throughout construction hours to help guide the flow of traffic.

The stretch of Highway 6 from Regina to southeast of the junction of Highway 39 near Corinne has an average of more than 3,400 vehicles per day.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all motorists during this project’s short-term inconvenience for the long-term benefit to our highway system,” Carr said.

The federal government is contributing more than $27 million toward this project. The Government of Saskatchewan is funding the remaining $30 million.

Silhouette of engineer inspecting construction building in the evening at sunset. AI Generated
by SHCA SHCA

WCB Shares 2023 Operating Results

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)’s 2023 annual report was tabled in the provincial legislature at the end of April. The province’s workplace total injury rate fell to 3.95 per 100 workers. 

“I am thrilled to share that, in 2023, the total injury rate was the lowest in the province’s recorded history,” said WCB chair Gord Dobrowolsky. “This only happened due to the combined efforts of workers, employers, labour and safety associations and safety leaders across the province.”

Under the requirements of The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013, the WCB remained fully funded with a sufficiency ratio of 135.7 per cent in 2023. This means it has the ability to cover the future costs of all claims in the system.

“Our objective is always to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet required benefit levels and protect against unexpected claim activity or potential fluctuations in economic conditions,” said WCB CEO Phillip Germain. “The process for managing our funded position is based on our approved sufficiency policy. The sufficiency policy establishes a framework of guidelines, measurements and targets to achieve a fully funded status and sets the target range for the sufficiency ratio of between 100 and 140 per cent.”

As part of its annual reporting, the WCB provided financial highlights from its 2023 results, including:

  • The WCB covered 409,158 full-time equivalent workers in 2023, compared to 400,392 in 2022.
  • Claim costs were $223.4 million in 2023, up from $188.1 million in 2022.
  • The WCB’s sufficiency ratio was 135.7 per cent as of year-end 2023, compared to 136.5 per cent* in 2022. (*To reflect the changes in the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), in 2023, the sufficiency ratio has replaced the WCB’s funding percentage. Prior to 2023, the calculation of funding percentage excluded the unrealized gains and losses on investments in the injury fund.)
  • Due to increased payroll, an increased maximum assessable wage rate and increased premium rates, the WCB reported premium revenues of $337.6 million in 2023, up from $304.8 million* in 2022. (*Premium revenues are restated for 2022 to align with the changes in IFRS 17.)
  • The WCB reported investment income of $172.6 million in 2023, compared to an investment loss of $132.1 million in 2022. In 2023, the investment portfolio had a return of 8.2 per cent at market, compared to a loss of 5.5 per cent in 2022. Investment income includes realized income and unrealized gains or losses on investments during the year and can fluctuate significantly year to year to reflect the change in the market value of investments.

The WCB also reported on 2023 advancements in its transformation initiative, the Business Transformation Program.

“Through this $150 million, multi-year initiative, the WCB is engaging customers, partners and WCB staff in its journey to implement the changes that it believes are necessary to meet customers’ expectations now and into the future,” said Germain. “The program touches everything we do at the WCB and how we support our customers by modernizing every aspect of our service delivery models, technological tools, business processes, workplace culture and engagement with partners.”