The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will provide more than $1.1 million to the Regina Exhibition Park Association for building improvements to increase energy efficiency in the park's sports, entertainment and trade show complex.

Premier Lorne Calvert and Public Works and Government Services Minister Ralph Goodale on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) today announced funding support through the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) for the $1.29 million project. The announcement was made at the opening ceremonies of the Western Canada Farm Progress Show.

"The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program is a good example of how all levels of government can work together for the benefit of Saskatchewan communities," said Calvert. "This program focuses on the long-term benefits of building a 21st century infrastructure, supporting long term economic growth and enhancing the quality of our environment."

"Modernizing Regina Exhibition Park will help the city attract international events and help the province attract visitors and revenue from all over the world; enhancing our economy and quality of life," said Minister Goodale. "Since the Government of Canada introduced the infrastructure program in 1994 it has contributed more than $95.5 million to projects in Saskatchewan. This investment has triggered over $470 million in infrastructure investments in more than 2,200 community-based projects throughout this province."

The CSIP contribution will assist with improvements to three park facilities including:

• the installation of a new radiant heating system and upgrades to insulation and lighting in the Agribition building;

• the installation of a new forced air heating system, new roofing and new lighting in the Ag-Ex Pavillion; and,

• the installation of new roofing and upgrades to insulation in the Agridome.

The Canadian Western Agribition and the Regina Exhibition Park Association are also contributing towards the project that will reduce energy consumption at the complex by more than 15 per cent.

"Regina Exhibition Park is thrilled to receive this funding from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan as a contribution to our Millennium Makeover Campaign," said Del Robertson, President of Regina Exhibition Park. "As the host site and venue of choice for numerous international, national, provincial and local events in the city, improvements to the facilities at Regina Exhibition Park are critical to sustaining the Park's future viability, and to helping us to continue to attract world-class events to the province."

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program (CSIP) is a five-year program that will result in infrastructure investments of at least $170 million in Saskatchewan municipalities. In total, more than $22.4 million in federal and provincial funds will be spent on the projects approved so far this year.

The first priority for infrastructure investment through the CSIP is green municipal projects such as water and wastewater developments and upgrades, solid waste management and recycling, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings owned by municipal governments.

Other priorities under the program include local transportation infrastructure, cultural and recreational facilities, infrastructure supporting tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for local public institutions, and affordable housing.

Federal funding for this infrastructure project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations,
Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

Cathie Kryzanowski
Special Events Coordinator
Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs
Province of Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-8890

Canada Infrastructure Program: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ino-bni
Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs: http://www.municipal.gov.sk.ca/