The province has announced $2 million over two years in funding to expand channel clearing for Rural Municipalities across Saskatchewan.

Premier Scott Moe says, “Increased funding for water management in rural communities will not only help protect essential infrastructure but also help our producers grow Saskatchewan’s economy.”

The Water Security Agency originally budgeted $600,000 over two years for channel clearing. This increase in funding will allow for the program to grow to $500,000 for the 2020-21 fiscal year. In the next fiscal year, funding will increase again to $1.5 million for a total investment of $2 million over two years. This is an additional $1.4 million over two years to support RMs with channel clearing activities.

Channel clearing involves removing beaver dams, debris, trees and shrubs, and the removal of silt and blow dirt from and along natural channels, lessening the possibilities of blockages that can cause flooding and damage to infrastructure.

Clearing dense vegetation can also reduce unwanted nutrients from water.