The governments of Canada and Alberta have announced just over $7.5 million in joint federal-provincial-municipal funding for the construction of a new water treatment plant for the Hamlet of Sandy Lake in the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation, and, Reeve of the Municipal District of Opportunity, announced that the project will be jointly funded with the Government of Canada contributing the Government of Alberta contributing $3,697,831 and the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 is providing $1,893,655.

Minister Amarjeet Sohi, “The Government of Canada is investing in local infrastructure projects to help protect public health and lay a strong foundation for economic growth, middle-class job creation, and a sustainable future. I am pleased to support the construction of this crucial water treatment plant in the Hamlet of Sandy Lake, which will restore the community’s ability to treat water locally and contribute to a higher quality of life for residents.”

Brian Mason, Alberta Minister of Transportation, “Reliable access to clean drinking water and water treatment systems is essential for all Albertans. The Government of Alberta is pleased to provide this Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership grant to the Municipal District of Opportunity to support the new Sandy Lake water treatment plant. This infrastructure spending is an investment in helping to put people back to work while providing enhanced access to clean drinking water to make life better for Albertans.”

With increased storage capacity and modern equipment, this new facility will replace the hamlet’s existing plant, which is no longer operational, and eliminate the need for drinking water to be hauled in from the neighbouring community of Wabasca-Desmarais.

Once complete, the new plant will be able to service a greater number of businesses and households in the Hamlet of Sandy Lake promoting economic development and ensuring current and future residents have access to a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water.

Marcel D. Auger, reeve  Municipal District of Opportunity, “As our communities within the Municipal District of Opportunity continue to grow and develop so does the infrastructure in these communities for essential services.  We are excited to be a part of this joint project with both the federal and provincial governments to bring the much-needed construction of a new water treatment plant to the community of Sandy Lake.”

The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 is a municipal district occupying a large remote area in central northern Alberta, Canada. Located in Census Division 17 north of the Town of Athabasca, its municipal office is located in the Hamlet of Wabasca. The economy of the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 includes oil and gas production, forestry, as well as diamond exploration. The municipality also offers the lowest residential tax rate in the Province of Alberta as part of its efforts to attract and retain residents.

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