Premier Moe Says Water Key To Moose Jaw And Regional Development

Quality and quantity of water is not just important to the survival of Moose Jaw but it opens up oppoprtunities across the region.

Those were the sentiments of Premier Scott Moe when he attended two sod turnings - the new joint use school for South Hill and the High Service Pumphouse project - last Thursday morning in the city.

Asked questions by MJ Independent about the new High Service Pumphouse Premier Moe stressed not only the importance of high quality and large quantities of water being available at reseidents’ taps but the economic potential it will drive.

“There are other industries that use water other than agriculture. So the opportunities really open up and become endless when you have a stable and quality water supply,” he said.

The provincial government announced on July 2nd a ten year project costing up to an estimated $4 billion to increase the water supply from Lake Diefenbaker to potentially irrigate an additonal 500,000 acres as well as provide a better quality and quantity of water to not only Moose Jaw and Regina but industry as well.

The proposed project has had its’ critics who have questioned the cost and benefits given a projected loss in hydro power generated as well as other issues such as the transportation and marketing of higher value crops, such as vegetables, that irrigation would provide.

The federal government has studied the proposed project and touted its major economic benefits to the provincial economy.

Mayor Fraser Tolmie agreed with the Premier’s assessment of the project.

“There are going to be good things not only for the City of Moose Jaw but the surrounding region.” Mayor Tolmie said.

The Mayor went further in stating the importance of the project to Moose Jaw.

“It improves our water quality of what is coming out of the Buffalo Pound water treatment plant. And as we stated our water supply is 20 kilometres away, so in order to keep this community thriving and keep the taps on we need water and good quality water,” he said.

Under the plan the project will bring a larger flow of water into Buffalo Pound Lake which serves as a water reservoir for both Moose Jaw and Regina. Buffalo Pound is fed from Lake Diefenbaker and a higher water flow helps to prevent algae from building up and affecting water quality.

Irrigation is important to the project with Mayor Tolmie stating by creating more sustainable crops it also helps attract agri-business that the City is trying to attract to the South East Industrial Park (SEIP).

Premier Moe recognized the importance of water to Moose Jaw.

“In Moose Jaw water is paramount. As the Mayor has indicated your source is 20 miles (kilometres) away. And we have had a much broader conversation ensuring your source of water is not only a quality source today and the years to come…and there will be a quantity not only for Moose Jaw and Regina but ultimately indutries we are looking to attract,” he said.

Earlier at the sod turning for the new joint-use school for South Hill Premier Moe went into greater detail about the importance of water and the project when asked about potential infrastrure problems by MJ Independent.

Premier Moe, at the High Service Pumphouse sod turning, explained the Province’s funding ($3.9 million) for the pumphouse project came from the Municipal Economic Enhancement Project (MEEP). MEEP funding is provided on a per capita basis to municipalities for capital projects. Individual municipalities decide on the project best suited to the municipality’s needs.

The funds are designed to provide confidence to municipalities who have faced problems due to COVID - 19, ensure capital projects are not abandoned and create needed employment as the province rebounds from the economic restrictions enacted to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

On the issue of the local municipal choices Deputy Premier Gord Wyant said he did not have the exact number which had been dedicated to water projects but “it is certainly a significant number representing a significant investment.”

Asked a follow-up question by MJ Independent about his feelings on a large number of municipalites using their MEEP funding for water projects instead of frilly stuff Premier Moe said having a guaranteed water supply was crucial.

“You don’t get the frilly stuff if you don’t have the water. Services are provided as number one by our municipalities. It is really at our core what municipalities provide to their residents,” he said, adding “it has also been a priority for this government for the last 12 to 13 years…and it shows in the water quality Saskatchewan residents have.”

“We have prioritzed water infrastructure virtually among and above any other infrastructure that has been invested in our communities.”

Premier Moe said the Province had been able to prioritize water infrastructure with municipalities because local municipal leaders, including Mayor Tolmie, had been willing to work with the Province.

“He understands the value of water. The value of having an appropriate quantity of water not just for today but into the future.”