The City of Moose Jaw is putting out a request for proposals to borrow $8 million to complete the High Service Pumphouse, but the city is also adding to its debt load. 

City council approved the funding, which will bring the city’s debt load to $77 million. The City of Moose Jaw had a debt limit of $95 million. 

Director of Financial Services Brian Acker said the city could apply to have the debt limit raised, but he felt $95 million is a good limit for Moose Jaw and rising the limit shouldn’t be necessary. 

“I think there are times when you do need to borrow and this project is a good example of that. If we didn't borrow, it wouldn't happen and we are potentially at risk as a community of not having a pump house that works and huge, huge problems,” Ack said.  

“So, I think we have to be judicious in how we pick what we do fund from debt going forward.” 

The borrowing of $10 million for the High Service Pumphouse was approved by city council nearly a year ago when the construction contract was awarded.  

However, the city learned that $2 million in additional funding would be available through the federal gas tax, which will now go towards the High Service Pumphouse. 

“Usually we're funding the whole portion, and to say that we've got another $2 million I think is a good news story part of this motion. Even though we're going to be taking on an additional $8 million, it could have been $10 million,” said Acting Mayor Dawn Luhning. 

The $14 million project is also being funded by $4 million from the provincial Municipal Economic Enhancement Program. 

Director of Engineering Bevan Harlton also gave an update on the project. 

“The walls are up. The crews have installed the crane inside the building so that's the crane that will allow for maintenance once it's in operation. But that crane also allows us to put in the pumps and infrastructure that building needs to have in it,” Harlton said.  

“From there in September, we'll see the roof go over it and seal the building, and then throughout the winter months we can get to work on the inside of the building and start commissioning next summer.”