Today, Saskatchewan communities and eligible organizations may start submitting funding applications for proposed water, wastewater and other projects under the last intake in the province for the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). “We encourage applicants to provide their project submissions as early as they are able to so communities can put shovels in the ground as soon as possible," Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. “Our provincial government will continue to invest in infrastructure to create jobs, position communities for growth and continue to build a stronger Saskatchewan.”
Canada and Ontario Invest in Community and Recreation Infrastructure
Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. Infrastructure Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day—ranging from the rapid growth of our cities, to climate change, and environmental threats to our water and land.
Investing in urban ecosystems: an essential economic strategy
Rebates through tax credits or reimbursements to property owners could provide incentives to landowners to utilize green infrastructure technologies on their properties. An example is the stormwater utility incentive program provided by the City of Victoria. B.C., which provides rebates for landowners who incorporate stormwater reduction practices such as rain gardens or green roofs into their landscaping.
$29 million slated for Ontario green infrastructure projects
The federal and provincial governments are providing joint funding totalling over $29 million for 19 green infrastructure and water distribution projects across Ontario. The rehabilitation and upgrade of the Forsythe West Stormwater Management Facility in Uxbridge is among the projects to receive funding. The existing stormwater pond will be modified to increase stormwater management capacity which includes installing stormwater storage and infiltration tanks, new concrete pipes, maintenance holes and new headwalls to direct water flow and protect roads and embankments from erosion.
Blue roofs could help reduce the flooding effects of big storms
You've probably heard of a green roof, which sits on top of a building and is covered with vegetation. But what about a blue roof? You might have guessed that it has something to do with water. Indeed, a blue roof collects stormwater through a pond system, temporarily stores it and gradually releases it afterward — offering a way to conserve water and prevent water damage. During a storm, rainwater can overwhelm urban sewer systems and send contaminated, untreated water into lakes and rivers. A blue roof could help solve this problem.
'It's pretty embarrassing': Winnipeg aims to put less poop in river
Some 3.2 million litres of raw sewage and rainfall runoff spilled into Winnipeg's river system last month but the incident was unusual only in scope. The amount -- more than an Olympic-sized swimming pool -- was one of the largest spills in years, but was one of about 20 such events that occur each year.