January 21, 2008
Oxbow, Saskatchewan
A $321,948 investment from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) will result in significant improvements to the Oxbow Arena, construction of a new outdoor swimming pool for Alida and a multi-purpose tarp structure in Manor. The MRIF contribution represents 50 per cent of the total $643,901 cost of the three projects.
The investment was announced today by the Honourable Dan D'Autremont, Minister of Saskatchewan Government Services and Ed Komarnicki, Member of Parliament for Souris - Moose Mountain, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"These investments are concrete examples of our government's commitment to build and modernize Canada's infrastructure," said MP Komarnicki. "The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership to revitalize and extend the value of cultural and recreational facilities in this region, and to support a growing economy, a clean environment and more prosperous communities."
"I'm very pleased that these important infrastructure projects will be receiving funding from the provincial and federal governments through MRIF," Minister D'Autremont said. "Our investment will deliver real and lasting benefits to the people who live in and around Oxbow, Alida, and Manor."
Today's announcement is 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.
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 Saskatchewan MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.
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, media may contact:
Joanne MysakManager, CommunicationsWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTelephone: (306) 975-5942
Tyler McMurchyCommunicationsSaskatchewan Municipal AffairsRegina, SKTel: (306) 787-5193Cel: (306) 537-7051
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
Oxbow, Alida and Manor Infrastructure Projects - Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
Town of Oxbow - Arena UpgradeMRIF funding: $48,910; Project cost: $97,820The project includes adding new roof trusses to the curling rink to eliminate ice-buildup; increasing the size and entrance of washrooms to meet accessibility requirements for physically disabled persons; and construction of a new women's dressing room.
Village of Alida - Outdoor Swimming PoolMRIF funding: $116,530; Project cost: $233,062 The existing pool will be demolished and a new outdoor pool built on the same site. A shallow entry in the new 1394' leisure / lap pool will allow more people (tots to seniors), including physically disabled persons access to the pool.
Village of Manor - Community Rink ConstructionMRIF funding: $156,508; Project cost: $313,019The Village is building a new tarp structure rink to replace its recently demolished skating rink and curling facility. During summer months, the facility will be utilized for social functions.
Total MRIF funding: $321,948Total project costs: $643,901
