Released on July 1, 2009
Government House received a $1.1 million investment from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the City of Regina toward rehabilitating the historic Edwardian Gardens. Today at Government House, Saskatchewan Provincial Secretary June Draude made the announcement along with Member of Parliament for Regina - Qu'Appelle Andrew Scheer on behalf of Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco.
"I am very pleased the province was able to invest in this project," Draude said. "Government House is truly a Canadian treasure that provides a snap shot of our rich history. The gardens will be a welcoming, family-friendly public space that will increase the appeal of this unique heritage site as a national tourism destination and draw even more visitors to our beautiful province."
"Our government is proud to work with the province and the city to support this important project," Scheer said. "Investing in the Edwardians Gardens helps honour Saskatchewan's history while looking to the future and creating new opportunities."
"As Reginans, we take pride in the many treasures our city has and Government House is a precious gem," Fiacco said. "It is a shining example of our rich and diverse history. As the capital city we want all of Saskatchewan to share in the community's history that has helped shape our entire province. This investment goes a long way to achieving that goal."
The funding is being provided through the tripartite Regina Urban Development Agreement (UDA) and will be used to rehabilitate the grounds following the historical Edwardian design, popular when Government House was built in 1891. This project is the first step in an integrated strategy for tourism and economic development within this corridor of Regina. One of two such gardens in all of Canada, the project will enhance green space for the public and encourage greater visitation to the National Historic Site and a Provincial Heritage Property.
The five-year Regina UDA, signed by the Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and the City of Regina in 2005, invested $10 million in neighbourhood renewal, cultural and recreational opportunities, green projects and innovative infrastructure initiatives.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Government's Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
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For more information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942
Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8412
Mark Rathwell
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7309
Email: mrathwell@regina.ca