July 01, 2009
Regina, Saskatchewan
Government House received a $1.1 million investment from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the City of Regina towards rehabilitating the historic Edwardian Gardens. This announcement was made by Saskatchewan Provincial Secretary June Draude, Member of Parliament for Regina - Qu'Appelle Andrew Scheer on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco at the Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party at Government House today.
"I am very pleased the province was able to invest in this project," Draude said. "Government House is truly a Canadian treasure that provides a snap shot of our rich history. The gardens will be a welcoming, family-friendly public space that will increase the appeal of this unique heritage site as a national tourism destination and draw even more visitors to our beautiful province."
"Our Government is proud to work with the Province and the City to support this important project," Scheer said. "Investing in the Edwardians Gardens helps honour Saskatchewan's history while looking to the future and creating new opportunities."
"As Reginans, we take pride in the many treasures our city has and Government House is a precious gem. It is a shining example of our rich and diverse history," Fiacco said. "As the capital city we want all of Saskatchewan to share in the community's history that has helped shape our entire province. This investment goes a long way to achieving that goal."
The funding is being provided through the tripartite Regina Urban Development Agreement (UDA) and will be used to rehabilitate the grounds following the historical Edwardian design, popular when Government House was built in 1891. This project is the first step in an integrated strategy for tourism and economic development within this corridor of Regina. One of two such gardens in all of Canada, this project will enhance green space for the public and encourage more visits to this National Historic Site and Provincial Heritage Property.
The five-year Regina UDA, signed by the Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and the City of Regina in 2005, invested $10 million in neighbourhood renewal, cultural and recreational opportunities, green projects, and innovative infrastructure initiatives.
Western Economic Diversification is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Government's Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
For more information contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Nicole Fellinger
Communications Branch
Saskatchewan Office of the Provincial Secretary
Telephone: 306-787-1370
Cell: 306-527-8412
nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca
Mark Rathwell
Office of the Mayor
City of Regina
Telephone: 306-777-7309
mrathwell@regina.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
