WSA Infrastructure Crossing Replacement Program

The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Infrastructure Crossing Replacement Program offers cost sharing for rural municipalities (RM’s) and Irrigation Districts to assist with non-WSA bridge and culvert replacement across eligible WSA-owned conveyance works to ensure the safeguarding of water structure operations.

The purpose of the program is to assist rural administrations with the cost of replacing crossing infrastructure to support water management and control through WSA conveyance channels. RM’s or Irrigation Districts wishing to undertake infrastructure replacement projects may receive assistance from WSA under the provisions of the program.

Program Eligibility

Financial assistance for crossing infrastructure replacements is available only where the following criteria are met:

The location of the proposed infrastructure upgrades must be at a crossing of WSA-owned conveyance works/infrastructure.
Applicant must prove that replacement can maintain the canal design flow and meet minimum crossing design requirement as specified by WSA.
Program eligibility at this time will be limited to bridge and culvert replacements only.
Upon completion of construction, a site visit will be conducted by WSA staff to ensure work was built as per plan. A site visit will be required before funds are released.
The works must be completed and invoiced in full such that grants can be processed and issued by WSA on or before March 31, 2025.
Only costs incurred from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, will be eligible under the 2024-2025 program.

Program Ineligibility Considerations

The program only covers those eligible crossing infrastructure replacements described above. The following activities are excluded from this program:

No stacking for provincial funding (i.e., RIRG program).
No cost sharing on maintenance works or repairs. Only projects for replacement of infrastructure are eligible.
Applicant must have signed agreement with WSA for the approved works prior to work taking place.

Financial Assistance – What the program offers

Financial assistance will be provided as a grant 50 per cent of the eligible costs for crossing infrastructure replacements completed in the 2024-25 program year. WSA has funds of up to $500,000 to support projects that are eligible for the program.
Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the program is fully prescribed. Grants will be processed with payments issued prior to the end of the fiscal year, on or before March 31, 2025. Only costs incurred from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, will be eligible under the 2024-2025 program.
The applicant must certify that all activities undertaken, and any expenses claimed, comply with the program requirements. Projects may be audited to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.
For invoices to be reimbursed, the following information may be required to support payment if applicable:

Costs for Reimbursement	Supporting Documentation
Engineering, surveys and studies	Engineer’s Professional Services Agreement
Material costs including supply, fabrication and/or hauling	Project Plans, Specifications
Contractor/labour	Project Tender Documents, Bid Forms, Bid Summary and Results, Contract for Construction

Intake Application Process

Step 1
Determine if your proposed work location crosses and or affects WSA-owned conveyance works (e.g., irrigation canals) and determine if the proposed work can be completed by March 31, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the program is fully prescribed.

Step 2
Complete and submit the application by mail to the Water Security Agency’s Swift Current office (306-350 Cheadle St W, Swift Current, SK, S9H 4G3) or email completed applications to WSAICRP@wsask.ca.

Step 3
Once reviewed by WSA, the applicant will be notified on the status of their application. If approved, the applicant will then be requested to submit additional documentation, plans and projected construction timelines.

Step 4
Submit all expenditures to WSA. Upon completion of construction, a site visit will be conducted by WSA staff to ensure work was built as per plan. A site visit will be required before grants are released. Work must be completed, and expense statements submitted by March 31, 2025. Grants will be provided as a cost-sharing of 50 per cent of the eligible costs. Only costs incurred from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025, will be eligible under the 2024-2025 program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply?
Completed applications can be sent to WSAICRP@wsask.ca or mailed or hand delivered to the WSA Swift Current Office located at 306-350 Cheadle Street West, Swift Current, SK S9H 4G3. Applications can be found here.

2. When is the deadline to apply?
Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until the program is fully prescribed.

3. What is the timeframe for a project to be eligible?
Projects are eligible from the program launch date of April 1, 2024 and must be completed by March 31^st, 2025 to be eligible for the grant.

4. Is Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit (AHPP) required for my project?
An Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit (AHPP) is not required for work in and around constructed irrigation canals, except for work completed at the inlet or outlet of the canal. For additional information please refer to www.wsask.ca.

5. Who is eligible for the funding?
Rural Municipalities and Irrigation Districts are currently eligible.

6. How long will it take for my application to be reviewed and responded to?
WSA will prioritize review of applications in the order they are received and strives to respond to applicants with additional information within 2 weeks of submission.

7. How much funding could I qualify for?
The program has a total budget of $500,000. We are taking applications on a first-come first- serve basis.

8. How do I know what channels belong to the WSA?
Land ownership can be verified on ISC at www.isc.ca. If you are unable to confirm through ISC, WSA Client Services can be contacted for additional assistance at 866.727.5420.

9. Can I start work while the application is being reviewed?
No. Design requirements must be approved and determined to be compatible with the WSA infrastructure prior to any work taking place.

10. Who can I call for assistance?
For general program questions, please contact Client Services at 866.727.5420.