Our government is focused on strengthening the foundations that keep Alberta prosperous. Last week, our government secured more than half a billion dollars in federal infrastructure funding to help build new housing, partnered to renew Calgary’s Olympic Oval, and expanded access to preventative testing so more Albertans can detect cancer sooner.
Growing communities need more than housing plans. They need the water and wastewater systems that make the construction of new homes possible. That is why Alberta’s government, and the Government of Canada signed a major agreement that will give Alberta access to more than $510 million in federal funding over eight years for qualifying municipal projects. This funding comes with up to $428 million in provincial support for municipal projects to help communities build and upgrade the water, wastewater, stormwater, and other basic infrastructure needed to build more housing. Alberta also ensured projects are chosen based on local needs, with funding focused on the fastest-growing communities. With more than 600,000 people moving to Alberta over the past five years, these investments will help municipalities, rural communities, and Indigenous communities build the infrastructure Albertans need.
Alberta’s government is also helping preserve one of Canada’s most iconic sport facilities. Our government and the Government of Canada are each investing $26 million to modernize Calgary’s Olympic Oval, known around the world as “The Fastest Ice in the World.” The upgrades will replace the original refrigerated concrete slab, install a new ice plant, and update key safety, electrical, mechanical, and structural systems. Since opening for the 1988 Winter Olympics, the oval has helped train 26 Olympic medalists who have won 40 medals for Canada. It also welcomes more than 40,000 public skaters every year. This investment will keep the oval serving athletes, families, and recreational skaters for decades to come.
Cancer impacts many Alberta families, and early detection can save lives. That is why our government announced that starting July 31, Albertans can purchase preventative diagnostic tests at participating private providers without a doctor’s referral, including MRIs, CT scans, x-rays, and ultrasounds. This does not replace the public services. Health care will remain publicly funded and prioritized under Alberta’s Public Health Care Guarantee. If preventative screening finds a new cancer diagnosis, Albertans will be eligible for reimbursement at publicly funded rates. This gives people more choice, more information, and a better chance to catch cancer earlier, when treatment can be more effective.
Finally, I am pleased to share that a major infrastructure improvement is coming to Wheatland County with the replacement of the 58-year-old bridge which carries Range Road 265 over the WID Canal A, about 10 km northeast of Dalemead. To support this important project, $1,508,250 in funding through Alberta’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) has been approved. Construction of the new bridge is anticipated to begin in the fall, helping ensure a safer and more dependable route for years to come.
Our government is making sure the services and infrastructure Albertans rely on are growing for generations to come. Better water and wastewater systems will help communities build more homes. A renewed Olympic Oval will support athletes in reaching their dreams. More preventative testing will help Albertans take action on their health sooner. Together, these steps show our government is focused on delivering results that strengthen our communities and improve the lives of Albertans.
As always, please free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions at Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca.