January 07, 2008
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, in partnership with the City of Saskatoon, are investing $2.8 million in Prairieland Park's new, 20,000 square-foot building expansion. Funding from each order of government is being provided through the tripartite Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement (UDA).
The expansion provides new, dedicated livestock and related tradeshow space so that the existing Trade Centre may be utilized exclusively as conference and tradeshow space. Exclusive-use facilities provide increased opportunities for Prairieland to draw larger events to the Trade Centre.
"The Government of Canada is investing in Saskatoon's economic future with this project," said the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, 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. "This new multi-purpose facility will enable Prairieland to increase its competitive position in western Canada with its added capacity to host larger and more diverse events."
"I'm pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan is able to invest in this worthy project," Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "The Province's support is a recognition of Prairieland Park's important contributions to Saskatoon and Saskatchewan in the areas of agriculture, industry, entertainment, education, sports and culture."
"Prairieland Park is a valued institution in our community. This development means more shows, more visitors, and more spin-off revenue generated. It's an amazing opportunity for the whole Saskatoon area," said Mayor Donald Atchison.
With the additional multi-purpose facility, Prairieland Park significantly increases its capacity to host simultaneous events and add to its number of programming days. Community benefits of this project include higher demand for hospitality services and a more competitive position for Saskatoon to attract national and international conventions and/or tradeshows resulting in greater economic prosperity.
"Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation is most pleased to be the recipient of funding from the Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement," said Dennis Wiebe, president of Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corp. "These funds will be used directly for the next phase of capital development to accommodate new and expanded agriculture and equine events while maintaining our existing agriculture programs. Thank you to all three levels of government for this support."
The five-year Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement, signed among the Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon in 2005, will invest $10 million in revitalizing the city's older neighbourhoods, supporting a high standard of public infrastructure and promoting a positive business climate that attracts innovation.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Government's Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak, Manager
Consultations, Marketing & Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: 306 975-5942
Jill Cope
Communications Manager
City of Saskatoon
Tel: 306.975-3461
Tyler McMurchy
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs
Phone: (306) 787-5193
Cell: (306) 537-7051
tyler.mcmurchy@gov.sk.ca
Mark Regier
Chief Executive Officer
Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corp.
Tel: 306-683-8800
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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