MULTI-USE FACILITY OPENS IN TISDALE

Released on October 17, 1997

Education Minister Pat Atkinson, Post-Secondary Education and Skills

Training Minister Joanne Crofford and Health Minister Clay Serby today

congratulated the Tisdale community on the grand opening of the

Tisdale Expanded Joint-Use Facility.



The newest addition to this multi-use complex includes classrooms for

grades six to 12 for over 580 students, a regional college, a

community health clinic, a library combining both school and public

libraries and a performing arts theatre.



"This is really about improving the quality of education for students

in this area and the quality of life for those who call Tisdale home,"

Atkinson said. "This exciting new project is proof that we are

committed to providing quality education to Saskatchewan learners,

young and old."



"This unique building is not so much an economy of scale as it is an

economy of purpose, fulfilling many needs," Crofford said. "It is

also proof of the co-operative spirit in knowledge, skills and

resources that pervades all of Saskatchewan."



"I want to commend the Pasquia Health District for recognizing the

importance of ensuring residents have easy access to health services,"

Serby said. "I am pleased Saskatchewan Health was able to provide

support for the district's efforts to provide co-ordinated community

health services in one location."



The Tisdale School Division took the lead on this project and

identified the following partners that participated in the

facility: Cumberland Regional College, the Town of Tisdale,

Pasquia Health Board and Wapiti Regional Library.



In the 1994-95 fiscal year, the former Department of Education,

Training and Employment (K-12) allocated $3.34 million towards

the construction of a new high school and the renovation of the

existing elementary school in Tisdale. In fiscal 1996-97,

Saskatchewan Education contributed $1.3 million to support the

requirements of the public school and a further $920,000 towards

the Regional College portion. That same year, Saskatchewan

Post-Secondary Education and Skills training contributed an

additional $42,000. Saskatchewan Health allocated a further

$200,000. Other contributors included the Tisdale School

Division ($2.29 million), the Town of Tisdale ($800,000) and the

Pasquia Health District ($122,500).



Close to 20 years ago, the multi-complex facility opened with an

auditorium for 1,000 people, arena, curling rink, shooting range,

meeting rooms and an outdoor swimming pool.



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For more information, contact:



Cal Kirby

Saskatchewan Education and

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Regina

Phone: (306)787-6040



Warren Bickford

Saskatchewan Health

Regina

Phone: (306)787-8433