January 22, 2008
Weyburn, Saskatchewan
An investment of $391,810 from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will mean upgrades to the City of Weyburn's Centennial Pool and the Town of Midale's Recreation Facility, as well as an addition to the Town of Bengough's Community Centre.
The announcement was made today in Weyburn by Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament for Souris-Moose Mountain, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council of Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to work with these communities to upgrade their recreation centres and ensure residents of all ages have access to improved facilities, which are so often the heart of small communities," said MP Komarnicki. "Today's investment reflects our government's commitment to helping communities grow as vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families."
"As Saskatchewan continues to grow, it makes sense to invest in quality infrastructure that will help our communities attract new people," Eagles said. "The provincial government is proud to invest in improvements to ensure these facilities serve the needs of the community for years to come."
"The City of Weyburn is excited to have received funding from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)," said Mayor Debra Button. "Repairs and renovations to the Centennial Pool will ensure that it retains its vital role in promoting the well-being of the people of Weyburn and surrounding area, and keep the facility viable for years to come."Under the initial MRIF agreement, the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $76 million to the fund, with participating communities contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment above $152 million. In 2007, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan provided an additional $14.9 million to the fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.The projects announced today are part of a larger group of 56 MRIF cultural and recreational projects being announced across the province. The federal and provincial governments are providing more than $5.7 million towards these projects' $12.69 million total cost. Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).
For additional information, contact:
Joanne MysakManager, Consultation, Marketing and CommunicationsWestern Economic Diversification CanadaSaskatoon, SaskatchewanPhone: (306) 975-5942
Tyler McMurchyCommunications Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal AffairsPhone: (306) 787-5193
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
Weyburn, Midale and Bengough Infrastructure Projects - Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
City of Weyburn - Leisure Centre Pool Basin ReconstructionMRIF funding: $250,000; Project cost: $678,750
The City will use its MRIF funding to replace the Centennial Outdoor Pool's basin. The Centennial Pool's basin, which was constructed in 1967, is nearing the end of its lifespan and is losing water through cracks that have developed. The new basin will provide Weyburn residents with a new, more efficient pool to use in the summer months.
Town of Midale - Recreation Facility Upgrade MRIF funding: $42,056; Project cost: $84,113
The Town is upgrading its recreation facility by installing new windows and a new metal roof. It is also building a lift to the facility's upper level to allow access for all residents, including those with physical challenges.
Town of Bengough - Community Centre Addition MRIF funding: $99,754; Project cost: $199,510
Bengough is expanding its community centre to host large capacity events. The expanded facility will be the largest of its kind in the area, potentially serving nearby Coronach, Big Beaver, Ogema, Pangman, Kayville, Ceylon and Viceroy.
Total MRIF funding: $391,810 Total project costs: $962,373
