Prairie Road and School House Saskatchewan Canada
by SHCA SHCA

Ministry of Highways Partners with the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert

Prairie Road and School House Saskatchewan Canada

On Aug. 6, the Ministry of Highways provided an update on a partnership with the Rural Municipality (RM) of Prince Albert to cost share paving of the service road south of Prince Albert between Elevator Road and the junction of Highways 2 and 11. The service road will act as a truck route, reducing traffic crossing the median at the intersection of Highway 2 and Elevator Road.

“The Ministry of Highways is continuing to work closely with municipal governments to improve roadways through partnership agreements aimed at providing benefits to local traffic and the economy as a whole,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “Paving this service road will support both the local and provincial economies by fostering growth and improving safety.” 

The agreement between the RM and the ministry was signed in the spring. Surfacing work is estimated at $924,000, with the ministry contributing up to 50 per cent of the cost. The Ministry of Highways will perform all maintenance, except for winter maintenance.

“Investing in our road infrastructure is essential for the growth and quality of life in our community,” RM of Prince Albert Reeve Tyrel Tait said. “This project is one of a number of road upgrades the RM is undergoing that will not only improve heavy hauling, but also support local businesses by facilitating better transport routes.”

Group photo in front of Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Westridge Construction partnership lays foundation for success

Group photo in front of Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop
Photo: Westridge Construction

Westridge Construction donated $840,000 to Saskatchewan Polytechnic to support the Time to Rise campaign and future carpentry students. This donation will create a legacy at the new Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus. The carpentry shop in the new Skilled Trades and Technology building will be named the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop.

Leon Friesen, president of Westridge Construction and a journeyperson carpenter, recognizes the importance of hands-on learning and the value of a polytechnic education. Westridge Construction will invest $750,000 in the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus to create a modern learning environment that reflects real-world workplaces. An additional $90,000 will go to carpentry student awards. These awards will help carpentry students overcome financial barriers, allowing them to focus on mastering their craft.

“It is an honour to support Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Time to Rise campaign and help shape the future of carpentry in our province,” said Colin Olfert, Westridge Construction CEO and general manager. “This gift reflects our deep respect for the trades and our belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities. With so many of our team members, past and present, being proud Sask Polytech graduates, this partnership is both personal and meaningful. We are proud that the Westridge Construction Carpentry Workshop will leave a lasting legacy at the new Joseph A. Remai Campus and the other campuses across our great province.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Westridge Construction for their generosity and belief in education as a force for good,” said Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Your leadership shows what it means to build not only structures, but communities. We are proud and privileged to call you a partner and to count many Westridge team members among our alumni.”

The Time to Rise campaign aims to empower Sask Polytech graduates and strengthen the provincial economy. The Remai Saskatoon Campus will consolidate an existing network of decentralized, outdated buildings into a modern, technology-rich learning environment, increasing program capacity for more students.

Learn more about the campaign and the Joseph A. Remai Saskatoon Campus at timetorise.ca.

Portrait of builder standing at construction site
by SHCA SHCA

Construction continues on Highways 2 and 13 Assiniboia partnership project

Portrait of builder standing at construction site
nomadsoul1/123rf

Highways Minister David Marit and the Town of Assiniboia celebrated the ongoing progress of a more than $10.6 million partnership project that will improve Highways 2 and 13, while strengthening the heart of the community.

“Our provincial government is proud to play a role improving these key transportation arteries through Assiniboia, which is a service hub for the region,” Marit said. “These highways when completed will better support Saskatchewan’s export-based economy, local agriculture, tourism and businesses in the centre of town.”

The 4.96 km project involves:

  • The rehabilitation and repaving of Highway 2 (also known as Empire Road and Centre Street) from Leeville Street to north of Highway 13, along with Highway 13 (also known as First Avenue West and First Avenue East) from Centre Street to Leeville Street.
  • Curb and sidewalk replacements along the route.

“We are incredibly grateful for the investment in this vital infrastructure project,” Assiniboia Mayor Sharon Schauenberg said. “Improved roads mean safer travel, more efficient transportation, and long-term benefits for our residents and local economy.”

The Ministry of Highways is investing more than $10.17 million toward the project. The Town of Assiniboia is investing up to $485,000. On-site project work began this spring and is expected to be completed this fall, pending weather.