$222M in upgrades announced for Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant

REGINA -

The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant is set to undergo $222.83 million in upgrades, as part of an infrastructure rejuvenation project announced on Tuesday.

“Clean, reliable drinking water is crucial to ensuring the well-being of our families, our communities, our environment for generations to come,” said Jim Carr, Minister and special representative for the prairies.

The project will be funded by all three levels of government, with the federal government contributing $89.13 million, the province providing $74.26 million and the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation, which is owned by the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw, providing $59.42 million and any additional costs.

“This multi-million dollar investment eliminates the need for major utility rate increases in the future, related to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant capital costs,” said Fraser Tolmie, mayor of Moose Jaw.

The province said the project will include upgrades to the main treatment plant, pump stations and reservoirs.

“Drinking water may not get the attention of a new stadium being built, but it’s every bit as important, if not more important. It’s something we all use each and every day,” said Don McMorris, minister of government relations.

The facility was originally commissioned in 1955, and last upgraded more than 30 years ago.

“The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant is reaching the end of its ability to continue to provide the high quality of water we expect and the quantities we require,” said Dale Schoffer, Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation Chair.

The treatment plant supplies potable water to more than 260,000 people in Regina, Moose Jaw and other communities in the area. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022, with the completion set for 2025.