Latest news with #DavidMarit
CTV News
10-08-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Sask. highway officials urge motorists to slow down in construction zones
WATCH: With construction season in full effect, the provincial government is reminding motorists to slow down. Brittany Poitras has the details. The provincial government is reminding motorists to slow down in highway construction zones. During a press conference on Friday, officials emphasized highway safety by bringing attention to the 'Orange Zones' on the provincial Highway Hotline website and app. Minister of Highways, David Marit said the highways budget is just under $800,000 a year for the province, and safety plays a large role in keeping things running smoothly. 'We have over 26,000 kilometres of highway network to maintain and preserve here in the province of Saskatchewan,' he explained. 'We want to ensure public safety not only for the driving public but for the construction workers as well.' Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association, said while the roadside projects are important for the Saskatchewan economy, the safety of the crews is an even bigger priority. 'Don't speed. Do not ignore any of the flaggers or the signs that you see in the zone, and please stay off your phone when you are driving through a work construction zone,' she said. Lipp explained that slowing down in construction zones can delay motorists an average of three to six minutes on their commutes, which is why looking at the Orange Zones on Highway Hotline can ensure drivers can prepare for a slower speed zone. 'Every sign, every cone, every reduced speed limit is there for one reason, and that's to make sure that everybody gets home safely. Both workers and drivers alike,' Lipp said. Flag person Peter Shoobert said that slowing down makes the difference for crews working along the roadsides. 'Slow down. If it's if it says to slow to 60, it's there for a reason. Because we're also trying to get home safe, not trying to delay you, not trying to be an inconvenience, just trying to make sure that we've got it all safe for everybody,' he said. Highway Hotline will update their Orange Zones weekly, giving motorists updated construction zone updates while the crews are busy at work.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Funding boost for Sask. short-line railways in latest budget not enough, Opposition says
The Saskatchewan government highlighted its recent increase in funding for short-line railways at a news conference on Tuesday, but an expert and the province's Opposition say the industry needs more. In the 2025/2026 budget, released in March, the province raised its funding for short-line rail to $1-million — an increase of $470,000, or 88 per cent, from last year's budget. Thirteen provincially regulated short-line railways operate on more than 2,100 kilometres of track in Saskatchewan. It's an alternative to Class 1 lines like Canadian National Railway. The smaller trains transport goods to larger rail lines. "We are the first mile and last mile of the operation. So our job is to put producer agricultural products like fertilizer, give them a spot where they can load and unload, and get that product to a market," said Glenn Pohl, senior railway specialist with Xpert Railway Consulting, on Thursday. Highways Minister David Marit said on Tuesday that the government recognizes the key role rail transportation plays in supporting Saskatchewan's export-based economy. That, he said, is why it chose to re-announce the $1-million from the budget. "Short-line railways are an integral link that help move our commodities to markets around the world," Marit said. He added that short-lines are a safe and efficient way to move bulk product, reducing wear and tear on Saskatchewan highways. Upgrades and expansion Funding from the Ministry of Highways' Short Line Railway Improvement Program (SRIP) will be used for track upgrades and expansion, upgrades on crossing surfaces, bridge maintenance, track upgrades and other projects. According to the province, SRIP is a 50-50 cost-sharing program between the provincial government and privately-owned short-lines, meaning total funding for short-line rail infrastructure is set to be $2-million this year under the program. Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP says more money should go to short-rail infrastructure. On Thursday, Opposition Leader Carla Beck called on the federal and provincial governments to work together to support expanding short-line rail as vital trade-enabling infrastructure. "Since the very beginning of the threats from our neighbours to the south, people in this country have been talking about the importance of building out trade infrastructure, reducing our reliance on the United States," Beck said. "One thing we need to ensure is that we get [our] world-class products to market efficiently." Pohl said Xpert Railway Consulting is grateful for the province's $1 million, but that it's not enough. That money is split between the 13 Saskatchewan railways. "The short-line industry has many challenges — infrastructure growth, maintenance costs, property taxation — but it's becoming more important to the network within the network, to provide an option to complement our Class 1 partners on first and last mile service," Pohl said. "Our supply chain will flourish with the growth of short-lines, inter-provincial utilization, and industrial partners. Our supply chain needs us more than ever and we are here ready to grow and serve those needs." Meanwhile, Andrew Glastetter, president of the Western Canadian Short-line Railway Association and general manager of the Great Western Railway of Saskatchewan, said he is happy with the amount of funding the province has allocated to short-line. "I don't think we want to be seen as all lined-up with our hands out," Glastetter said. Like Beck, Glastetter said the Great Western Railway of Sask. is keen to look outside the province for more ways to strengthen its short-line railways. "Our role is very robust in the supply chain and we're actually looking for growth. How do we contribute further to the supply chain and look to help grow trade and export?" he said. "One of our next steps is to actually work more at the federal level." Provincial funding allocations for 2025-26 Big Sky Rail (Delisle, Eston, Elrose region) - $167,541. Carlton Trail Railway (Saskatoon to Prince Albert area) - $71,391. Great Sandhills Railway (Swift Current to Leader area) - $82,945. Great Western Railway (Assiniboia, Shaunavon, Coronach area) - $250,073. Last Mountain Railway (Regina to Davidson) - $56,122. Long Creek Railroad (west of Estevan) - $45,000. Northern Lights Rail (west of Melfort) - $45,000. Red Coat Road and Rail (Ogema area) - $47,456. Southern Rails Cooperative (south of Moose Jaw) - $45,000. Stewart Southern Railway (southwest of Regina to Stoughton) - $54,471. Thunder Rail (Arborfield area) - $45,000. Torch River Rail (Nipawin to Choiceland area) - $45,000. Wheatland Rail (Cudworth, Wakaw area) - $45,000.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Province to move forward with women's unit at Regina Provincial Correctional Centre
As part of the province's goal to address capacity challenges and enhance correctional infrastructure, a new women's unit will be developed at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre. As highlighted in the 2025-26 provincial budget, funding was allocated to improve safety for correctional staff, offenders, and the public, including supporting the capacity expansion for women in the correctional system. 'This new facility will make a real difference, not just by helping relieve pressure on our correctional system but also by allowing for more space, better programming and stronger supports for women in custody,' Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said in a news release from the province. The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement will be obtaining consulting services to support the development of the women's unit by helping to oversee the planning, design, and construction of the project. 'This is a critical step in ensuring our correctional facilities meet the evolving needs of our communities,' SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said in the release. According to the province, the project is in the early planning phase and more details will be announced as it progresses.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CN to Invest $290 Million in Saskatchewan to Build Capacity and Power Sustainable Growth
MONTREAL, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today plans to invest approximately $290 million CAD in Saskatchewan, as part of its 2025 capital investment program. This investment will support track maintenance and strategic infrastructure initiatives in the province. This includes major projects to support customer initiatives and our agriculture industry partners to improve the movement of grain and fertilizers. These investments will help ensure the safe movement of goods and support long-term sustainable growth in Saskatchewan and across CN's network. "We believe that investing in our network is about building for the future. Our continued infrastructure investment in Saskatchewan will help strengthen the resiliency, and efficiency of our network across the province. Our focus remains on providing exceptional service to our customers and supply chain partners, supporting strong economic growth for North America and across the communities where we operate." - Tracy Robinson, President, and Chief Executive Officer of CN 'We thank CN for their commitment to improving the rail system in Saskatchewan. Rail transportation is an essential part of getting Saskatchewan's food, fuel and fertilizer to more than 160 countries around the globe,' said Highways Minister David Marit. 'Our customers are expecting a reliable and timely delivery system, and this investment will help our robust transportation network continue to meet the needs of Saskatchewan producers, while supporting our export-based economy.' - David Marit, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement, Government of Saskatchewan In 2024, CN invested approximately $160 million CAD in Saskatchewan for track maintenance and key infrastructure initiatives. Highlights of this investment include: More than $6.7 million in shared investment for grade crossing upgrades across our network in Saskatchewan Over $3 million in upgrade projects to improve operations and support employees at CN's Melville railyard Saskatchewan in Numbers: Employees: approximately 1,152 Railroad route miles operated: 1,845 Community investments: $670,000 in 2024 Local spending: $117 million in 2024 Cash taxes paid: $105 million in 2024 CN Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements by CN included in this news release constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. CN cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'assumes,' 'outlook,' 'plans,' 'targets,' or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. About CNCN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since Michnowski Stacy Alderson Senior Manager Assistant Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations (438) 596-4329 (514) 399-0052 media@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
09-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Sask. Highway Hotline digital platforms get record-high 60 million visits in 1 year
App and website received 20 million and 40 million page views respectively The Saskatchewan Highway Hotline's digital platforms got record traffic over the last year. From April 2024 to March 2025, the road information service's app and website got a combined 60 million page views, compared to 13 million in the same period the year before. The surge is largely attributed to difficult driving conditions and storms. The Highway Hotline web page and app were checked more than 10 million times in November, more than 13 million times in December, and more than 14 million times in January 2025. Brad Crassweller, MLA for White City-Qu'Appelle, lauded the numbers at a news conference Friday. "I think 60 million hits is incredible," Crassweller said. "We've got so many people concerned about taking safety seriously." RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Sauve spoke as well, noting his extensive personal use of the platform. "During the winter, with the RCMP, we send out safety messaging pretty much every time there is a significant weather event, and this winter we did that an awful lot," Sauve said. "Between April and September, there were 830 collisions involving snow, ice or visibility restrictions." With the May long weekend coming up next week, Sauve encouraged drivers to check Highway Hotline for other factors that can affect road conditions, such as wildfire smoke, construction and collisions. Highway Minister David Marit made a statement in a news release about the record Friday. "Thank you to all drivers who take the time to check the Highway Hotline to make an informed decision before heading out on the road," he said. "Understanding what may be on the road ahead can help you plan safer and more efficient trips, which supports our quality of life and export-based economy." Beyond the map denoting road hazards, the platform also contains more than 50 camera locations across the province, as well as a "Track My Plow" feature which allows drivers to check which roads have been cleared.
