For Release
January 25, 2007
North Battleford, Saskatchewan — Canada’s
New Government through Western Economic Diversification Canada is providing
the Battlefords Communiplex Committee Inc. with $206,750 to prepare a
regional plan that explores the economic potential of Battlefords Yellowhead
Heritage Park, a proposed destination area that could combine tourism,
commercial, recreation and cultural facilities.
The $266,750 in funding announced today will go toward hiring architects,
engineers and a business consultant to develop a plan for assembling the
park and investigating whether this plan will be practical and affordable
for the Battlefords area. The Battlefords Tribal Council, through the
Gold Eagle Community Development Corporation, is also contributing $50,000
for the business plan while the Battlefords Regional Economic Development
Authority (REDA) is providing an additional $10,000.
“With this funding, Canada’s New Government is fostering
the Battlefords’ entrepreneurial spirit and its pursuit of viable,
long-term economic expansion,” said Gerry Ritz, Secretary of State
for Small Business and Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic
Diversification. “This regional initiative will pull together our
communities’ resources to determine the best strategy to make the
Battlefords area a destination of choice.”
“These kinds of partnerships show the leadership role our Saskatchewan
communities play in local economic development,” Deputy Premier
and Minister of Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Clay Serby
said. I am proud to see so many interests working together on a common
goal that can benefit the entire region.”
The Battlefords Communiplex Committee Inc., is a joint partnership between
the City of North Battleford, the Town of North Battleford, Battlefords
Tribal Council, and several community associations and organizations,
who spearheaded the multipurpose facility project
The Battlefords Yellowhead Heritage Park could involve constructing a
new multiplex recreation facility, performing arts centre, hotel, First
Nations heritage park, casino, pow-wow facility and a health spa. The
park may also encompass existing facilities such as the Western Development
Museum and Frontier Mall.
“The City of North Battleford is very excited about this partnership
and thankful to the federal government for providing these funds that
will ensure the viability and sustainability of this project,” said
Mayor Julian Sadlowski.
"The First Nations of the Battleford region are pleased to participate
in a partnership with the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford
with federal government support for the Yellowhead Heritage Park. This
multi-party investment project will result in a significant number of
new jobs and services in the Battlefords and area, based upon major growth
in regional and international tourism," said Chief Pauline Okemow.
For additional information, contact:
Brenda Tarasiuk
A/Manager, Communications
Saskatoon, SK
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (306) 975-5943
Jim Toye,
City Manager
City of North Battleford
Tel: (306) 445-1727
Trish Alcorn
Assistant Director of Communications
Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development
Tel: (306) 787-5389
