SASKPOWER PROVIDES SUPPORT TO THE CHAPLIN NATURE CENTRE

Released on June 6, 2003

SaskPower is contributing $38,000 toward the purchase of new webcam and video equipment for the interpretive display area at the Chaplin Nature Centre.

"SaskPower is pleased to be able to support the expansion of the Chaplin Nature Centre through this donation, as it ensures preservation of one of the most critical refuges for shorebirds in all of North America," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said, on behalf of Crown Investments Corporation Minister, Maynard Sonntag. "Now that the expansion of the Nature Centre is complete, it provides both local residents and visitors with an opportunity to enjoy everything the Centre has to offer."

"It's communities like Chaplin - which recognize these opportunities and take the next steps to capitalize on them - that epitomize the industrious spirit of this province," Higgins noted. "This is truly a Saskatchewan success story and an indication to me that our future is wide open."

The Nature Centre has purchased and installed a video camera along the shore of the lake, a viewing monitor in the display area, and solar panels to power the equipment. The camera, which is also web-enabled, will broadcast live images of shorebirds on the lake back into the Nature Centre's viewing monitor and over the Internet.

"The Chaplin Nature Centre is very pleased to have SaskPower's support in this project," Fundraising Chairman for the Chaplin Nature Centre Clem Millar said. "The Nature Centre is a key tourist attraction for our community, and is vitally important to Chaplin's continued economic growth."

Since opening in 1997, over 100,000 visitors have stopped in at the Centre, which was designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site in 1997. Visitors come from around the world to view the many species of birds while on the shorebird reserve tour on Chaplin Lake, and also take in the interpretive displays within the Centre itself.

As Saskatchewan's electric utility and largest Crown corporation, SaskPower has a commitment to nurture and contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by the people of Saskatchewan. Each year, SaskPower provides approximately $1 million in annual support to hundreds of events, across Saskatchewan, as well as select capital projects.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306)566-3167 Email: lchristie@saskpower.com Cell: (306)536-2886

Clem Millar Chaplin Nature Centre Chaplin Phone: (306)395-2223