EDEN REDA RECEIVES REDA ENHANCEMENT FUNDING FOR SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

Released on March 1, 1999

Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon today

announced support of $16,000 to the EDEN Regional Economic Development

Authority (REDA) to help promote and maintain the region's popular

groomed snowmobile trail system. The REDA, whose largest communities

are Melfort, Tisdale and Nipawin, will use the funding to further

develop this winter tourism attraction and increase the number of

visitors to the area.



"REDAs have played an important role in community economic development

in Saskatchewan, helping us build a business climate that encourages

growth and job creation at both the local and provincial levels,"

MacKinnon said in a short ceremony at Nipawin Regional Park.



"This initiative by the EDEN REDA will provide an opportunity for the

region's partners to provide a safe, scenic snowmobile trail system

for tourists in northeast Saskatchewan. This will enhance winter

tourism, creating jobs and economic opportunities."



Funding comes from the REDA Enhancement Fund which assists REDAs to

further develop services for small business, establish one-stop

business service centres and initiate programs that promote economic

expansion. This fund is part of an additional $1.95 million directed

toward regional economic development in the 1998-99 budget.



"Northeast Saskatchewan is very fortunate to have a multitude of

volunteers who are developing some of the province's premiere

snowmobile trails," EDEN REDA Acting Chairperson Roger Vogelsang

said. "This funding assistance will bolster that volunteer

spirit and enhance the safety of the region's trails."



REDAs have assisted in community business projects that range

from youth employment initiatives, to tourism-related projects,

to feasibility studies and recreation facilities. Among its

activities, the EDEN REDA has developed a co-ordinated approach

to regional tourism promotion and created a regional profile

brochure.



"The REDA Enhancement Fund is one way we are living up to our

commitment to support community economic development and to work

with communities to provide jobs and opportunities for

Saskatchewan people," MacKinnon said.



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For more information contact:



Bob Ellis

Economic and Co-operative Development

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1691