Released on April 15, 2015
The provincial government has invested $87,000 in historic main streets across the province through its annual Main Street Saskatchewan Grant Program, leveraging nearly a quarter of a million dollars of community investment.“Vibrant downtowns strengthen our communities, and strong communities support our growing Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. ”That’s why we’re pleased to continue to support communities through the Main Street Saskatchewan Program. This program enhances community pride throughout the province and enriches our quality of life.”
Communities receiving funding through the grant program include the cities of Melfort, Swift Current and Regina, and the towns of Kerrobert, Langenburg, Nipawin and Watrous.
“Regina Downtown/Main Street Regina would like to thank Main Street Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport for their continued investment in our historic downtowns,” Regina Downtown Executive Director Judith Veresuk said. “Through the 2015 Capacity Building Grant, Main Street Regina will be able to provide training to its staff and support development of a three-year strategic plan that will embrace the tenets of the Main Street Program.”
Main Street Saskatchewan will be accepting applications for the 2015-16 intake starting April 20, 2015.
Communities interested in applying to the program may choose to participate at the Accredited or Affiliate level. Accredited communities are eligible to receive all benefits and services offered by the Main Street program, including training, support and advisory services, eligibility to apply to the three matching grant streams, and a one-time, $25,000 matching grant to assist the community in developing their long-term vision and work plan for the downtown.
Communities selected at an Affiliate level will receive a limited package of benefits which includes eligibility for the Capacity Building grant and some training and advisory services.
Up to two Accredited communities and an unlimited number of Affiliate communities will be admitted to the program during the 2015-16 application intake.
Main Street Saskatchewan supports Saskatchewan’s plan for growth by investing in and promoting the revitalization of historic downtowns and commercial areas. Since its launch in 2011, Main Street Saskatchewan has seen 66 new jobs created, 22 new businesses opened, $4.9 million committed to historic building and streetscape improvement and $6.5 million in property acquisitions in its participating communities.
The Main Street Saskatchewan Grant Program provides approved Main Street participants with up to 50 per cent of eligible project expenses through three funding streams: Capacity Building, Heritage Conservation and Community Enhancement.
To learn more about these grant streams and Main Street Saskatchewan, visit www.pcs.gov.sk.ca/MainStreet.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Amanda Clark
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6880
Email: amanda.clark@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-550-5927