Significant upgrades are coming to the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant.

Close to $223 million renewal project will upgrade the main treatment plant, pump stations and reservoirs and will rejuvenate the facility to meet the needs of the region’s forecasted potable water demands in the decades ahead.

All three levels of government are contributing with the federal government contributing $891.13 million, the province $74.26 million and the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation, which is owned by both the cities of Regina and Moose Jaw coming up with the rest.

Federal representative for the prairies Jim Carr says these upgrades will help keep up with water demands in the area for decades to come.

“The plant was first commissioned in 1955, and so much has changed since then,” Carr said. “The facility now supplies potable water to more than 260,000 people living in Regina, Moose Jaw, and other communities in the region.

“They make up nearly a quarter of Saskatchewan’s population,” Carr added.

Saskatchewan’s Government Relations minister Don McMorris says this positions the communities that draw from this water for future growth.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to contribute more than $75 million towards the renewal project of the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant,” McMorris said. “This project will include upgrading to the main treatment plant, pump stations and reservoirs.”

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters says this will guarantee safe water for all residents.

“This renewal project will enhance the facility’s environmental sustainability and implement the use of renewable energy, and that’s a strategic priority for the City of Regina as we work toward becoming 100 percent renewable by 2050,” Masters said. “As this facility provides the most essential of services, (Monday’s) investment will assist in servicing our population and economic growth over the next several decades.”

Moose Jaw Mayor Fraser Tolmie says water security is critical in this region of the province.

“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,” Tolmie said. “The City of Moose Jaw has been actively advocating for this project because we realize the importance of water and water security in our region and in our city.”

Construction is expected to be completed by 2025.

{With files from Ryan McNally}