$30 MILLION PARTNERSHIP FUNDS URBAN REVITALIZATION PROJECTS IN REGINA

Released on October 3, 2003

A strategic infrastructure investment in urban revitalization totalling close to $30 million for Regina was announced today by Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Infrastructure, Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco.

This funding will be used to revitalize Wascana Lake and to build a new multi-purpose community facility at Regina Exhibition Park. These two undertakings together constitute a sustainable urban development package. Each located near the heart of Regina; they will contribute to a healthy and vibrant inner-city core, as well as the economic, social and cultural well being of the entire community.

"I am delighted that the Government of Canada has teamed up with the City of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan to make this durable investment in Regina's future," Minister Goodale said. "By deepening Wascana Lake, which is the jewel of our Queen City, and by building an important new facility to augment Exhibition Park, we are practising genuine, long-term urban revitalization."

"These projects illustrate our commitment to a wide open future for the people of Saskatchewan," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "They also will provide lasting legacies for Saskatchewan in support of the province's Centennial in 2005."

"This commitment to the revitalization of Wascana Lake and Regina Exhibition Park is a historic moment for the City of Regina," Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "It's a unique and significant investment in the long-term vitality and growth of our city. We are pleased to partner with the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan in making this vision for Regina a reality. The City funding will come from the General Surplus Revenue, that includes surplus funds from 2002 operations, and will not require any funding from property taxes."

"Today's investment in Regina is another example of the Government of Canada's long-term commitment to infrastructure improvements," commented Minister Rock. "Projects like these not only respond to Canada's strategic infrastructure needs, but improve the quality of life of Canadians and support economic growth in communities across the country."

To deepen Wascana Lake, the Government of Canada has committed up to $9 million or a maximum of 50-percent of the approved costs (whichever is the lesser). The provincial government is contributing approximately $5 million and the City of Regina is providing $4 million. The lake bottom between Albert and Broad Streets will be lowered by some 5.5 metres, helping to alleviate weed and water quality problems and extending the useful life of this man-made reservoir by at least 100 years.

To construct a new multi-purpose building on the infield of the previous racetrack at Exhibition Park, the Government of Canada has committed a further $5 million. The provincial government is contributing $4 million and the City of Regina is providing $3 million. This facility will help address neighbourhood sporting and recreational needs (especially important for inner-city youth), while also providing a new venue for trade shows, exhibitions and other major events - adding to Regina's capacity to stage such high calibre activities as Canadian Western Agribition, the Western Canada Farm Progress Show, the Royal Red Horse Show, the 2005 Canada Summer Games and celebrating Saskatchewan's Centennial.

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For More Information, Contact:

Pat Breton Office of Ralph Goodale Ottawa Phone: (613)996-4893	Rob Cunningham Province of Saskatchewan Regina Phone: (306)787-6349
Sandy Gousseau City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7486	Mylene Dupere Office of Allan Rock Ottawa Phone: (613)943-7003