Released on May 31, 1999
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon todayannounced funding of $50,000 to Prince Albert's River Bank Development
Corporation to co-ordinate business, social development and job
creation activities for the benefit of inner-city residents under the
province's Neighbourhood Development Organization (NDO) initiative.
"River Bank Development Corporation is a new organization of local
people dedicated to mobilizing inner-city resources and delivering
grassroots business and community services in Prince Albert," Prince
Albert - Carlton MLA Myron Kowalsky said on behalf of MacKinnon.
"NDOs such as River Bank are an important part of building stronger
and more prosperous communities and at the same time creating jobs for
Saskatchewan people."
The funding to River Bank represents initial installments of $150,000
in operational funding it will receive from the government during the
1999-2000 fiscal year. The corporation was formed last year. Charter
members include the New Beginnings Housing Co-operative, Hand in Hand
Housing Co-operative, Innovative Concepts Co-operative and the Women
Against Poverty community organization.
During its initial months of operation, River Bank has focussed
on supporting the activities of the housing co-operatives that
are buying and rehabilitating houses and helping inner-city
residents own their own homes. It has also co-ordinated
community programs in child care and nutrition and has started a
community development training program in conjunction with the
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST).
"Without government support, River Bank Development Corporation
would not have been able to realize its dreams of working with
the low-income community of Prince Albert," Cecile Nickel, River
Bank board chairperson, said. "We are excited by our task, that
of effectively co-ordinating community resources for the benefit
of our inner-city residents."
Additional funding under this year's provincial budget has made a
total of $500,000 available to help NDOs develop community-based
programming. Saskatchewan's two other NDOs, Quint Development
Corporation in Saskatoon and Community Action Alliance in Regina,
will also receive core funding to develop unique approaches to
creating stronger local economies and productive neighbourhoods.
"The NDO initiative is another example of government working with
communities to create opportunities for Saskatchewan people,"
Kowalsky said. "Together, we can ensure that Saskatchewan's
strong economic growth will benefit all members of our society."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1691