Released on April 15, 2009
Meadow Lake has received $3.15 million from the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) to upgrade its infrastructure. The funds are part of the government's support to strengthen economic opportunities and revitalize communities affected by the negative impact of the economic downturn in the forest sector.
The community plans to use the funds to draw up an economic development plan, conduct a study on alternative sewage treatment and build a new waste water treatment facility.
"Despite the tough times, our communities are taking the opportunity to develop alternative economic activities for their towns," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "We intend to fully support these revitalization initiatives in these communities and make them more attractive to existing businesses and new investors."
"This significant funding commitment will not only support the local economy, it will also allow our community to plan for the future," Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison said. "While we are not immune to the effects of the global recession, the relative health of the Saskatchewan economy allows our government to support communities through worthwhile initiatives such as this."
In 2008, the federal government announced a $1 billion Community Development Trust Fund intended to help support activities that strengthen economic opportunities for communities negatively affected by global financial and commodity market disruption.
Saskatchewan's share of the fund is $36.4 million over three years. The forestry sector and its communities are being targeted for priority spending in Saskatchewan given the historic downturn that has occurred in this sector. Last year, the province conducted needs consultations in the communities of Prince Albert, Big River, Meadow Lake, Hudson Bay, Carrot River and La Ronge.
Funding requests from other communities are still being finalized and further details will be provided once this process is complete. The application and guidelines are posted on Enterprise Saskatchewan's website at www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca