Shoal Lake, Manitoba – Shoal Lake will receive natural gas service thanks to a $1.6-million investment under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The governments of Canada, Manitoba and the Town/Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake will each contribute one third of the project costs. The announcement was made today by Premier Gary Doer and Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “Natural gas service will help Shoal Lake to continue to grow and prosper, and help users access an efficient clean heating alternative,” said Premier Doer. “When governments work together to fund a major project like this, the result is a win for the community.” “This improvement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to the development of the rural and farm economy,” said Minister Alcock. “The provision of natural gas service will have long-term economic benefits for the people of Shoal Lake and beyond.” Shoal Lake’s location along the TransCanada Yellowhead Highway #16 has established the community as an agri-business hub providing services to the surrounding area, including a grain terminal, implement dealers and suppliers of fertilizer, livestock feed and bulk fuel. By adding natural gas, Shoal Lake will complete its already well-developed infrastructure base, which includes transportation access by road, rail and air, as well as hydropower for industrial customers. The project will be administered by the Shoal Lake Regional Community Development Corporation. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of several years of planning, hard work and cooperation by many people in the community of Shoal Lake,” said Mike Blahy, Mayor of the Town of Shoal Lake and President of the Shoal Lake Regional Community Development Corporation. “The addition of this important infrastructure will support Shoal Lake in implementing its strategic plan to retain the existing agri-business base and community services, and pursue opportunities for further industrial development.” Under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders on two strategic priorities – Building our Economy and Sustainable Communities – to enhance the skills of Manitoba workers and promote economic growth and diversification in Manitoba. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca. Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework. For additional information, contact: Dougald Lamont Communications Officer, Western Economic Diversification Canada (204) 983-0280 Terri Hooper Communications Coordinator, Canada-Manitoba Economic P artnership Agreement (204) 945-7805 http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca Graham Gork Communications Coordinator, Communication Services Manitoba (204) 945-5795 http://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
