May 19, 2026

MOOSE JAW, SK – The City of Moose Jaw is introducing a new pilot program that will change the delivery of private sanitary sewer and water service line replacements, shifting this work to City-approved contractors.

The Private Water and Sanitary Service Pilot Program was approved during the April 28, 2026, regular meeting of City Council. This pilot program supports the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan, focusing on the strategic priority of Financial Responsibility and Transparent Governance. This pilot program follows Council’s direction to ‘conduct service delivery reviews to identify continuous improvements, efficiencies, duplication, or cost-saving opportunities’.

Replacements of private services currently represent approximately 40 per cent of all excavation work undertaken by the Operations Department – Public Works Division. By shifting these private service line replacements to City-approved contractors, this pilot program aims to refocus City resources on critical public infrastructure priorities, including repairs and replacements of hydrants, valves, manholes, storm sewers and catch basins, as well as capital project support.

The City will maintain and provide a list of approved contractors to homeowners seeking replacement of their private service lines. In addition, the City will inspect the completed work and coordinate final restoration of the road and sidewalk with the approved contractor. This approach strengthens partnerships with the private sector while ensuring consistent quality and accountability.

The pilot program will be evaluated ahead of 2027 budget deliberations, with findings used to inform a potential long-term transition.

Residents replacing their services lines through City’s Infrastructure Renewal Program, as delivered by the Operations Department – Engineering Services, will see no changes. Homeowners will continue to have the option to replace their private service lines during this scheduled construction work on their street.

For more information on the Private Water and Sanitary Service Pilot Program, see our Sewer and Water Connections Page here.

Learn more with a video of Staci Dobrescu (Manager of Public Works and Utilities) and Bevan Harlton (Director of Operations) on the City’s YouTube Channel here.