CIB commits $27.3M in indigenous-owned wastewater treatment facility near Saskatoon
by CM Staff
The new facility will ensure Grasswoods Urban Reserve has the infrastructure necessary to enable long-term community growth.
Construction of the Grasswoods urban reserve water treatment facility. (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank)
SASKATOON — On Mar. 15, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and English River First Nation (ERFN), through their economic development arm Des Nedhe Group, announced financial close on a $27.3 million financing agreement. The CIB is extending the loan towards a new wastewater treatment facility and critical infrastructure on ERFN’s Grasswoods Urban Reserve near Saskatoon. The new facility will ensure Grasswoods Urban Reserve has the infrastructure necessary to enable long-term community growth.
Once the wastewater treatment infrastructure is completed in 2024, the facility will advance the transition away from septic wastewater systems, reducing environmental impacts and supporting sustainable growth. Its additional capacity will also allow Des Nedhe Group to provide wastewater treatment services to the neighbouring rural municipality of Corman Park, along with employment and training opportunities for First Nations community members.
Des Nedhe Group is currently developing ERFN’s 135-acre Grasswoods Urban Reserve, which will allow the community to lease the desirable land to commercial partners.
ERFN, through Des Nedhe Group, will own and operate the facility, with initial operations and training led by Saskatchewan Water Corporation (SaskWater).
