Released on May 1, 2009
Prince Albert has received $100,000 from the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) to study viability of green energy projects for the city. 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 City wishes to establish itself as Saskatchewan's green energy capital. To assess the viability of this objective a feasibility study is needed to analyze the possibility of building upon existing assets in the forest, farm and manufacturing sector to create a new economic growth based in green energy production.
"Prince Albert is joining several other Saskatchewan communities who have decided to embark on alternative economic activities to revitalize their municipalities," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "This is a step in the right direction as we want these funds to open up opportunities and make Saskatchewan attractive to existing businesses and new investors."
"I am pleased this government is able to provide much needed funding to the City of Prince Albert to assist in revitalizing the community," Correction, Public Safety and Policing Minister and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Darryl Hickie said. "This study could potentially allow for new opportunities for the people of Prince Albert as well as increased economic growth in the area."
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 www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca