Released on December 11, 1998
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon andPrairie to Pine Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA)
Chairperson Bob Colliar today officially launched the Prairie to Pine
REDA in Meota.
"The Saskatchewan government is committed to encouraging economic
development at the grassroots' level," MacKinnon said. "In that
regard, we are very pleased to welcome Prairie to Pine REDA, the
latest addition to the Saskatchewan REDA network."
Members of the Prairie to Pine REDA include the town of St. Walburg,
the villages of Meota, Mervin, Paradise Hill and Vawn, the rural
municipalities of Turtle River and Meota, and the Saskatchewan Wheat
Pool.
"We hope to create an atmosphere for people to work, live and retire
in," Colliar said. "The formation of the Prairie to Pine REDA will
enhance the quality of life here and help our surrounding communities
to work together to strengthen the regional economy."
REDAs allow municipal governments, community organizations, private
businesses, co-operatives and First Nations to work together to
encourage investment and job creation in their regions.
Under the REDA program, the province provides each REDA with a
cost-shared startup fund of up to $25,000, along with annual
50 per cent shared operating funding, to a maximum of $60,000 per
year. MacKinnon noted that the REDA program received an
additional $1.95 million in the last provincial budget, including
a $1 million enhancement fund to support such projects as local
tourism infrastructure, regional enterprise centres, computers
and software, feasibility studies and resource materials.
"REDAs are helping build a dynamic and diversified economy that
creates jobs for Saskatchewan people," MacKinnon said. "Prairie
to Pine will be an important contributor to both its region and
this new Saskatchewan."
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For more information contact:
Dave Barr
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone 787-1691