Skip to content

Nipawin MEEP funding to go to lift station, stormwater project

NIPAWIN — The Town of Nipawin got a boost in infrastructure this year following an announcement from the province regarding their announcement regarding the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP).
nipawin-council

NIPAWIN — The Town of Nipawin got a boost in infrastructure this year following an announcement from the province regarding their announcement regarding the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP).

The Government of Saskatchewan announced on May 19 that they have dedicated $150 million to municipal infrastructure projects with communities across the province receiving funds on a per capita basis. 

Nipawin will receive around $633,000 to spend on projects that fit within the 14 broad infrastructure project categories defined by the government. Town staff compiled a list of potential projects that could be funded through this program and brought it a special council meeting on June 3. 

The top priority project that the town will be applying for is the Gordon subdivision lift station that has become a health and safety issue for both the community and the employees who work on the lift station.

The rail system that raises and lowers the pump to the surface for maintenance has become a major concern for staff. Staff members often have to “climb down to where the pump is to service it,” Elliott said, who added that is not acceptable. Staff safety is the primary concern of bringing the project forward.

“The intent is to completely rebuild the lift station and the hoisting mechanism so that work can be done safely. Also the pump needs to be reconditioned as well and there's some other work all associated with the station itself.”

The Guloien and Peter’s Drive stormwater maintenance project as part of the stormwater management improvement program is the next priority for the town. Following some developments going into the Peter’s Drive area, the road work was never finished, Elliott said. Looking at the challenges the town has had with stormwater management, the area in question is also a catchment route for stormwater from a number of different subdivisions. Work needs to be done to ensure that that area drains properly, Elliott said.

Elliott said choosing of the projects, “was based in large part on administrative and operational recommendations. They recognize that the Gordon subdivision lift station was the biggest priority.”

The next step of these projects is town staff continuing to work on the funding application to the Saskatchewan government for these two projects.