The Water Security Agency (WSA) is set to invest over $2 million in the design and construction of five critical water infrastructure projects across Southwest Saskatchewan. These initiatives aim to reinforce dams, weirs, and reservoirs in the region, significantly enhancing public safety. Spanning from Lafleche to Cypress Hills, the projects are scheduled to commence in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
“We are pleased to begin work on these vital projects in a semi-arid region that heavily depends on reliable water infrastructure,” said David Marit, Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency. “Upgrading these integral structures has been a priority for our government and is critical to ensure we can continue to provide a sustainable water supply for our strong and vibrant communities.”
Among the highlighted projects are two near Val Marie: a multi-year initiative on the Val Marie Dam, currently in the procurement stage and set to include a spillway replacement, and upgrades and rehabilitation efforts on the West Val Marie Dam.
At Summercove Dam, the WSA is allocating $650,000 for planning and design work aimed at facilitating upgrades to the spillway, low-level outlet, and rip-rap repairs. Additionally, a smaller-scale rehabilitation project at Wilson Weir, located south of the Cypress Hills on Battle Creek, will focus on restoring the existing diversion structure. Meanwhile, design work for spillway repairs at Lafleche Dam is underway, with the full multimillion-dollar project expected to span several years.
These projects have been identified as priorities under the WSA’s 10-Year Rolling Infrastructure Rehabilitation Plan, an initiative aimed at advancing essential maintenance projects to ensure the long-term safety and security of Saskatchewan’s communities.
To ensure public safety during construction, access to some project sites may be restricted. The WSA apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the WSA plans to invest over $42 million in more than 60 key water infrastructure projects, focusing on sustaining a reliable, adaptable water supply across the province. Since 2007, WSA has committed approximately $280 million to the province’s water management infrastructure.
