FARM TRANSFER TO AID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR GREEN LAKE

Released on December 11, 2006

The Government of Saskatchewan today signed a deal to transfer ownership of the Silver Lake Farm to the Northern Village of Green Lake in order to support further economic development in that area.

The village already operates a community farm and leases the Silver Lake property as part of its cattle operations. Ownership of the farm now will give Green Lake more flexibility and equity when pursuing development opportunities, whether in agriculture or other industries.

"The provincial government is determined that northerners will have the means to pursue their goals and dreams and to make a prosperous future for themselves and their children," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said on behalf of Northern Affairs Minister Joan Beatty. "With expanded property, the Village of Green Lake will be more able to chart a course for diverse, sustainable economic development."

"The farm provides opportunity for Green Lake to continue to build wealth and create jobs for the people of the north," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "Today, we turn the page on a new chapter in which Green Lake will thrive and seize the agricultural growth opportunities afforded by their newly expanded economic base."

"With an expanded farmland base, the Village and Green Lake Métis Farms will be able to expand our cattle operation to our goal of 1,000 head, and possibly diversify our farm operation to bring greater economic benefit to the community," Green Lake Mayor Fred McCallum said.

The Silver Lake Farm was created in the 1960s, one of four government-owned farms in northern Saskatchewan. The others include the Central Farm (already owned by Green Lake), Ile-a-la-Crosse, and Cumberland House. Silver Lake is the last to be transferred to community ownership and the government and the Village look forward to a new era in northern economic development.

The Silver Lake Farm lies south of the village, and includes approximately 2,000 hectares of land (20 square kilometres), with hay and timber resources.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Boyes Northern Affairs La Ronge Phone: 306-425-6669 Email: sboyes@sna.gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-425-8869

Donna Rehirchuk Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: 306-787-2359 Email: drehirchuk@agr.gov.sk.ca