Released on June 19, 2002
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will provide more than $1.1million to the Regina Exhibition Park Association for building improvements
to increase energy efficiency in the park's sports, entertainment and trade
show complex.
Premier Lorne Calvert and Public Works and Government Services Minister
Ralph Goodale on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western
Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) today
announced funding support through the Canada- Saskatchewan Infrastructure
Program (CSIP) for the $1.29 million project. The announcement was made at
the opening ceremonies of the Western Canada Farm Progress Show.
"The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is a good example of how
all levels of government can work together for the benefit of Saskatchewan
communities," Calvert said. "This program focuses on the long-term benefits
of building a 21st century infrastructure, supporting long term economic
growth and enhancing the quality of our environment."
"Modernizing Regina Exhibition Park will help the city attract
international events and help the province attract visitors and revenue
from all over the world; enhancing our economy and quality of life,"
Goodale said. "Since the Government of Canada introduced the
infrastructure program in 1994 it has contributed more than $95.5 million
to projects in Saskatchewan. This investment has triggered over $470
million in infrastructure investments in more than 2,200 community-based
projects throughout this province."
The CSIP contribution, will assist with improvements to three park
facilities including:
the installation of a new radiant heating system and upgrades to
insulation and lighting in the Agribition building;
the installation of a new forced air heating system, new roofing
and new lighting in the Ag-Ex Pavilion; and
the installation of new roofing and upgrades to insulation in the
Agridome.
The Canadian Western Agribition and the Regina Exhibition Park Association
are also contributing toward the $1.29 million project that will reduce
energy consumption at the complex by more than 15 percent.
"Regina Exhibition Park is thrilled to receive this funding from the
Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan as a contribution to our Millennium
Makeover Campaign," Regina Exhibition Park President Del Robertson
said. "As the host site and venue of choice for numerous international,
national, provincial and local events in the city, improvements to the
facilities at Regina Exhibition Park are critical to sustaining the Park's
future viability, and to helping us to continue to attract world-class
events to the province."
The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is a five-year program that
will result in infrastructure investments of at least $170 million in
Saskatchewan municipalities. In total, more than $22.4 million in federal
and provincial funds will be spent on the projects approved so far this
year.
The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green
municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades,
solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency
of buildings owned by municipal governments.
Other priorities under the program include local transportation
infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure
supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed
Internet access for local public institutions and affordable housing.
Federal funding for this infrastructure project was provided for in the
December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing
financial framework.
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For more information, contact:
Cathie Kryzanowski Joanne Mysak
Government Relations and Western Economic Diversification
Aboriginal Affairs Saskatoon
Regina Phone: (306) 975-5942
Phone: (306) 787-8890 WD Toll-Free 1-888-338-WEST (9378)