For Release
September 22, 2006
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — The City of Prince Albert
is opening the new Kinsmen Skateboard and BMX Park tomorrow thanks, in part,
to funding from the federal Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative,
which commemorates and celebrates the province's 100th birthday. Two other projects
funded under the initiative, the Scarrow Plaza and nine kilometres of the 23-kilometre
Rotary Trail, are also close to completion.
“Canada's New Government is supporting families in their efforts to keep
active and encourage children in fitness,” said the Honourable Carol Skelton,
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
“We are proud to contribute to these terrific facilities that will create
new recreational opportunities in Prince Albert.”
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) provided $100,000 towards building
the Kinsmen Skateboard and BMX Park. WD contributed $500,000 towards $770,300
in construction costs for nine kilometres of the city’s Rotary Trail system.
More than six kilometres are already built. Work on this portion of the trail
will continue until freeze-up. The whole trail is expected to be finished in
2010.
Finally, $85,820 in Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan funding went towards
upgrading, landscaping and furnishing the Scarrow Plaza, located east of the
provincial courthouse and north of the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts. The
space is about 95 per cent finished and will provide a link between the Rotary
Trail and the Rawlinson Centre.
“On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Prince Albert, I would
like to sincerely thank WD for providing funding that will benefit the community
of Prince Albert for many years to come,” said Mayor Jim Stiglitz. “Prince
Albert will be home to one of the largest skateboard parks in Western Canada
that will be used by thousands of youth while the Rotary Trail will allow our
citizens to explore the beauty of Prince Albert including the plaza located
north of the E.A Rawlinson Centre.”
“The Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative provided Prince Albert
another opportunity for our community to benefit, bond and work together to
ensure these projects were a tremendous success,” added Mayor Stiglitz.
Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan was a community-based, grassroots initiative
designed to commemorate Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday. This province-wide
initiative enabled communities to undertake capital projects to improve or upgrade
civic facilities and created a permanent legacy of the province’s centennial
for future generations.
The grand opening for the Kinsmen Skateboard and BMX Park will be held September
23 at 1:00 p.m. Demonstration teams from both sports will provide exhibits after
the formal program.
For additional information, contact:
Mike Winterburn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 995-2960
Heather Waldern-Hinds
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5475
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
