Released on July 29, 2009
Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter, Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan and Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear unveiled today a new name and trailblazer sign design for a vibrant tourism and economic corridor south of Saskatoon.
Highway 219 from its junction with Highway 11, past the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, to Danielson Provincial Park along Highway 44 will now also be known as Chief Whitecap Trail.
"This dual designation of Highway 219 will honour Chief Whitecap, a historic Saskatchewan figure and one of Saskatoon's founding fathers, as well as promote a vital provincial tourism corridor," Reiter said. "The province is making a significant investment to rebuild Highway 219 south of Saskatoon to the junction of Highway 15 to support this exciting economic development and provide for a safer, smoother highway for tourists and local residents."
"We believe this designation and highway upgrade will enhance regional tourism and further economic development along the corridor from Saskatoon to Dakota Dunes and on to Danielson Provincial Park at Lake Diefenbaker," Duncan said. "Chief Whitecap was a visionary and today we honour his vision and our shared heritage as we look to the future."
"At Whitecap we are developing Dakota Dunes, a four-season destination resort that offers unforgettable experiences and world-class facilities in a unique setting," Bear said. "The Chief Whitecap Trail tourism corridor and the partnerships along it will provide economic benefits for the entire region."
The image on the new sign is a graphic representation of Chief Whitecap on a horse. The figure on the sign is wearing a head dress, traditionally worn by First Nations leaders, and is carrying a peace pipe, symbolic of the positive relationships established by Chief Whitecap. The sign was developed by the Whitecap Dakota First Nation in consultation with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure. Twenty five signs will be installed along the route by the ministry.
The signs will be installed this construction season as upgrades continue to the corridor in partnership with the Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Rural Municipalities of Corman Park, Dundurn and Rudy, along with the City of Saskatoon.
Highway 219 upgrades completed to date include the rebuilding of a 28-km section from south of Saskatoon to the Whitecap Dakota First Nation. The remaining 41 km south of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation to the junction of Highway 15 will be rebuilt in sections, with final completion in 2011. The 15 km section south of the First Nation will be tendered in August 2009 with construction timelines determined once the tender is awarded.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805
Cell: 306-536-9692
Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Cell: 306-526-8635
Darrell Balkwill
Whitecap Dakota First Nation
Phone: 306-477-0908
Cell: 306-221-8289