Today, in a Saskatchewan first, the new WaterWolf Advisory Planning Commission was formally approved. WaterWolf Economic Developments Inc. created the regional planning commission for the Lake Diefenbaker region thanks to $250,000 from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), announced in August 2009.
This is the first planning commission, consisting of independent rural and urban municipalities, and a First Nation, of this size and scope in the province. The commission is a key piece in WaterWolf Economic Developments Inc.'s regional strategy to create a transparent and user-friendly investment climate.
"Supporting community-driven projects is essential to building a strong, diversified economy, and I'm pleased to see WaterWolf continuing to help grow this region," said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
"WaterWolf has broken new ground for community cooperation in Saskatchewan with several municipalities and the Whitecap Dakota First Nation as partners," said the Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Our government encourages this kind of cooperation and I am confident that WaterWolf will help move Saskatchewan forward."
The planning commission was created by WaterWolf Economic Developments Inc. as part of an overall investment attraction strategy for the Lake Diefenbaker region. The commission, which represents 13 rural municipalities, 23 local governments, and Whitecap Dakota First Nation, will provide regional planning assistance to the area; standards for growth, and advice on common approaches to development. Ultimately, member municipalities will have a transparent planning framework covering asset management, land-use planning and long-term infrastructure planning to attract and retain investment.
"The regional long-term planning concept will build a framework for investment," said Dave Cross, Chairman, WaterWolf Advisory Planning Commission. "This is the beginning of our drive to develop the capacity to manage growth sustainably and create a culture of evidence-based decision making. Our goal is clear: answers to investors' questions in a timely manner."
Detailed questions on the planning commission can be answered by calling the WaterWolf office at 306-867-9557 or visiting its website at http://www.waterwolf.org/ for more information.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Lloyd Suchet
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel.: (613) 957-7855
Greg Urbanoski
Communications Consultant
Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Tel: (306) 787-2155
Russ McPherson
Project Manager
WaterWolf Economic Developments Inc.
Outlook, Saskatchewan
Tel.: (306) 867-9557
Email: russmcpherson@midsask.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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