December 21, 2004 Winnipeg, Manitoba -- The Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is providing $125,000 towards a feasibility study to examine possible year-round recreation opportunities and increased economic potential at Red River Exhibition Park. The Red River Exhibition Association (RREA) is leading the initiative. The Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), and the Honourable Jim Rondeau, Manitoba Minister of Industry, Economic Development and Mines, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Selinger, Minister of Finance, made the announcement today. “The Red River Exhibition Association is thinking beyond the ‘Ex’ in terms of its contribution to Manitobans and the province’s economy,” said Minister Alcock. “Studying the economic viability and sustainability of the park is a significant undertaking and I’m pleased that through the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement, the Government of Canada is supporting this project.” “Manitoba has a long history of working cooperatively with the federal government to fund a wide variety of projects,” said Minister Rondeau. “This feasibility study will help in the planning process that the Red River Exhibition Association has begun to investigate the viability of expanding their location. ” The feasibility study will evaluate the cost and viability of developing a multi-use sports facility, hotel with a waterpark, and permanent exhibition space on the grounds of the Red River Exhibition Park. It will examine construction costs, current and future market demand, and operating requirements. A steering committee of stakeholders will oversee the work of the feasibility study. ‘’Since the opening of Red River Exhibition Park in 1997, our Association has continued to focus on plans which would develop the full potential of the site,’’ said Paul Robson, Chief Executive Officer, RREA. “The assistance from the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement is a tremendous boost to our ability to fully explore the future potential of the site and to build an achievable plan for the future. Currently over 380,000 guests visit the Park during our six-month season to participate in a variety of community events. The study will enable us to quantify the potential for year-round activity.’’ In December 2003, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a four-year $50 million Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). T he two strategic priorities of the agreement are "building our economy" and “sustainable communities." Together, and in partnership with community stakeholders, Canada and Manitoba are working to strengthen and diversify Manitoba's economy, build on existing economic strengths, enhance the skills of Manitoba's workforce and promote regional development. Federal funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 budget. - 30 - For additional information, contact: Jacquie Sippola Communications Officer Western Economic Diversification Canada Tel: (204) 983-0280 Winnipeg, Manitoba Terri Hooper Communications Coordinator, Canada-Manitoba Economic P artnership Agreement (204) 945-7805 Graham Gork Communications Coordinator, Communication Services Manitoba (204) 945-5795 www.gov.mb.ca WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca
