Eston celebrates Rural 44 Water Pipeline Utility Project
By Joan Janzen
The Rural 44 Water Pipeline Utility showcased its more than $18 million infrastructure project in Eston on Wednesday, June 28th. The project involved installing nearly 300 km of distribution pipe and twinning a portion of the EK raw water line.
It also involved upgrading the Town of Eston’s water treatment plant and the building of the Rural 44 Water Pipeline Utility Pumphouse. The community was invited to have a look at both projects Wednesday afternoon.
The project was the combined effort of the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, Rural 44 Water Pipeline Utility subscribers, the RM of Snipe Lake No. 259 and the Town of Eston. The first subscribers were connected to the distribution line on May 1st, 2023. Tollifson Cable Services continued working to complete the rest of the subscriber connections to deliver potable water to the RM of Snipe Lake and surrounding areas.
Bill Owens, Reeve of the RM of Snipe Lake, read greetings on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
MLA Ken Francis attended on behalf of Premier Scott Moe, Government Relations Minister Don McMorris and the Government of Saskatchewan. He noted this was “arguably the most complex rural water system in the province” and thanked the subscribers, RM of Snipe Lake and the Town of Eston, for their diligence and vision.
The celebration of the completion of the rural water pipeline included door prizes and cake for everyone who toured the facilities.
Ken Francis encouraged all who attended, saying, “You should all be proud of your achievement and celebrate your hard work.”
PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN: Bill Owens, Reeve of the RM of Snipe Lake, MLA Ken Francis, Lisa Oakland - Project Liaison, Brian Shauf - Administrator RM of Snipe Lake, Bob Mullock - Councilor/Town of Eston and Nick Neufeld stand in front of the new Rural 44 Water Pipeline Utility Pumphouse, on the occasion of the open house.
