Released on June 2, 2000
Natural Resources Canada Minister Ralph Goodale and Premier Roy Romanow todaylaunched 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