FIRST PHASE OF RCMP HERITAGE CENTRE LAUNCHED

Released on June 2, 2000

Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale and Premier Roy Romanow today

launched the RCMP Heritage Centre, one of the largest new tourism projects for

western Canada.



Goodale, on behalf of Ron J. Duhamel, Secretary of State for Western Economic

Diversification, and Romanow announced the $6.3 million first phase of the

multi-year project. The two governments will provide $4.2 million in cost-

shared funding for first-phase capital costs through the Canada/Saskatchewan

Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA). The RCMP Heritage Committee has

accepted the challenge to raise another $2.1 million through fundraising

efforts in the private sector.



This first phase will see the construction of a visitor reception centre at the

Dewdney Avenue entrance to Depot Division – the centre will be the starting

point for Depot tours. New exhibits will be planned and produced, including a

touring exhibit to generate national and international support.



The project's first phase will advance the plans for building the world-class

Heritage Centre in phase two. With construction of that facility, the cramped

quarters of the existing Centennial Museum would be converted into archival and

exhibit preparation space. Cost of the entire project is estimated at $25

million, with private and public sector decisions still to be made on funding

the independent second phase.



"The Government of Canada is pleased to be leading the launch of this important

project - the creation of potentially the first national museum west of the

National Capital Region," Goodale said. "What could be more fitting than a

centre which will fully recognize and celebrate the RCMP's contribution in

shaping Canada located in Regina, at the 'Home of the RCMP'."



"This new centre will give Saskatchewan another international tourism

attraction, telling visitors from around the world the colourful story of the

police force that symbolizes Canada," Romanow said, "The centre represents an

exciting new development for both our tourism industry and the RCMP itself."



"In addition to being a great source of pride to Canadians, the RCMP is a

symbol recognized and respected around the world," Federal Solicitor General

Lawrence MacAuley said. "This new facility will help ensure the RCMP story is

told to more people for years to come."



Chair of the Heritage Centre's implementation committee Frank Hart recognized

the amount of effort that has gone into the project to date. "We have obtained

assessments of the interest from the Canadian business community in becoming

financial partners and have had financial summaries prepared based on differing

levels of support." Hart says the Heritage Centre has 'the potential to be a

major travel generator for Western Canada' and the implementation committee

will be proceeding on that basis.



The components for phase one include: a theatre and exhibit for visitor

orientation; an audio-guide for self-guided tours; displays on community

policing and the RCMP Training Service; interpretive panels for the former

Commissioner's house and the chapel as well as the restoration of one stable

block.



Canadian Heritage will provide technical design and governance expertise for

this phase. Plans are for the centre to be owned and governed by a federal,

non-profit corporation. The eight-member RCMP Heritage Committee was

established in the fall of 1999 to oversee the implementation of the project.



From 1998 to 2002, the Canada/Saskatchewan WEPA, administered and cost-shared

by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Economic and

Co-operative Development, will direct $40 million toward initiatives that

support new economic infrastructure, tourism products, export and marketing

initiatives and new economic opportunities, including rural and northern

economic development.



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For more information, contact:



Joanne Mysak

Manager, Consultations, Marketing and

Communications

Western Economic Diversification Canada

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

(306) 975-5942

WD Toll-Free No.: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)



WD World Wide Web site:

English - http://www.wd.gc.ca

French - http://www.deo.gc.ca

Debbie Wilkie

Director, Marketing and Corporate Affairs

Saskatchewan Economic and

Co-operative Development

Regina, Saskatchewan

(306) 787-1691



Darryl McCallum

Project Manager

RCMP Heritage Committee

Regina, Saskatchewan

(306) 791-4690