END OF WASCANA LAKE EXCAVATION CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

Released on March 28, 2004

The successful excavation of Wascana Lake was celebrated Sunday afternoon in Wascana Centre, directly north of the Legislative Building.

Thousands of people gathered to visit their lake one last time before spring run-off covered the freshly dug bottom. People were afforded the opportunity to walk down into a fenced area of the lakebed and capture the view from about 15 feet down. They could also take home a sample of the earth excavated from Wascana Lake.

Although the excavation of the lake was only one aspect of the Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project, it was a critical component of the project, which managed to capture the imagination of many people for the 76 days it took to complete. Work on park enhancements such as the Albert Street pedway, the Broad Street pedestrian underpass, Pine Island, and various aeration systems will continue through the spring. Landscaping work will be done this summer and fall.

"Through the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, the Government of Canada is proud to contribute $9 million to the excavation of Wascana Lake," Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said. "This exciting project builds upon a dream that began in 1897. Working together, our community is preserving Wascana Lake as the gem at the heart of the largest urban park in all of North America. The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner."

"As we prepare to celebrate the Saskatchewan Centennial, the Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project is an ideal way to celebrate our proud history and our promising future," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Thanks to the men and women who have pulled together in true Saskatchewan spirit to make this dream a reality, this is one significant piece in making Saskatchewan ready for the next generation, providing them with a unique park setting in the midst of the capital city."

"The improved lake and enhanced park will be a source of great enjoyment for residents and visitors alike, providing yet one more reason to say 'I Love Regina'. It will be a lasting legacy for future generations," Mayor Fiacco said. "The deepened lake will also be an excellent recreational venue for boating, rowing and canoeing, as well as provide a key site for the 2005 Jeux du Canada Summer Games and help to attract other events of that calibre to Regina."

The Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project is an $18-million initiative cost-shared by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Federal funding for the project was provided for under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF). More information on the fund is available at www.infrastructure.gc.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942	Nadine Sisk Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation Regina Phone: (306)787-9225
Sandy Gousseau City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7486