June 24, 2009
Regina, Saskatchewan
Today, the Honourable Bill Hutchinson , Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations, on behalf of the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Member of Parliament Ray Boughen, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; and Mayor of Regina Pat Fiacco announced funding under the Urban Development Agreement for the development and revitalization of Regina City Square and surrounding areas to stimulate and grow the local economy.
" The Province is dedicated to improving infrastructure and sense of community, creating jobs, and benefiting Saskatchewan residents through the Urban Development Agreements, " said Minister Hutchinson. " We are pleased to have been able to invest in this project, and look forward to its impact on the city and beyond. "
" Today's funding will not only benefit Regina's downtown, but the local businesses in the area that provide services to all visitors, " said Mr. Boughen. " Our Government recognizes that strong, healthy communities require modern infrastructure, especially during these challenging economic times. "
The Regina City Square project will adapt Victoria Park and surrounding streets to create more ways for people to enjoy the park space and a more welcoming environment for special events and festivals downtown. The City of Regina expects that this project will significantly enhance both the size of existing festivals and the number of events held each year.
" City Square is the first step to create a downtown that thrives morning and evening, year-round, " said Mayor Pat Fiacco. "Revitalizing our downtown depends upon creating the critical mass of people required to sustain services and amenities, and as downtown's most important public gathering space, City Square is vital to that success."
Federal funding of $1.7 million, along with $500,000 from the City and $300,000 from the Province, announced today will allow the City of Regina to begin the implementation of the City of Regina's Downtown Neighbourhood Plan. The first phase is the development of Regina's City Square.
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
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Michelle Burns
Communications
Municipal Affairs
(306)798-6095
Michelle.Burns@gov.sk.ca
Kaeli Madill
Communications
City of Regina
(306)777-7486
kmadill@regina.ca
