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Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement
A new Urban Development Agreement between the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon will invest $10 million in revitalizing the city's older neighbourhoods, encouraging participation in artistic, recreational and cultural activities, and promoting a positive business climate that attracts innovation.
Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, Pat Atkinson, Minister of Crown Management Board and Donald Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon, announced the five-year agreement today.
"Canadians care about the communities in which we live and work," said Minister Goodale, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). "We know that the future of our cities and towns is key to our own quality of life and to our country's health and prosperity. This Agreement builds on existing programs and opportunities and will engage other public and private resources in Saskatoon to achieve common grassroots goals."
" The Urban Development Agreements demonstrate the commitment of the governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and Saskatoon to collaborate and work together," said Minister Atkinson on behalf of Len Taylor, Minister of Government Relations. "The three levels of government will also work with community groups, Aboriginal groups and organizations and the private sector to ensure that the outcomes of urban development benefit all residents of Saskatoon."
"A lot of hard work went into making this Urban Development Agreement a reality, " said Donald Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon. "And now, we are so excited to implement it. This Agreement means innovative housing solutions, the revitalization of our core neighbourhoods, and enhancing the overall quality of life in Saskatoon. It gives us the tools and resources to make things happen."
The agreement sets out six priorities for action that focus on:
- Community-based approaches to affordable housing, homelessness and the renewal of Saskatoon's older neighbourhoods;
- Developing cultural and recreational opportunities to enhance the quality of life in Saskatoon;
- Supporting environmental protection and climate change solutions;
- Enhancing Aboriginal participation in the economy;
- Promoting innovative initiatives for a positive business climate and enhanced competitiveness; and
- Addressing strategic infrastructure necessary for the continued physical, social and economic development of Saskatoon.
Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework . Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement.
Provincial funding for this initiative is provided for in the March 2005 budget. Saskatchewan Government Relations is the provincial department responsible for administering this agreement.
For additional information, contact:
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5942
Jill Cope
Communications Manager
City of Saskatoon
975-3461
Cathy Gourlie
Communications
Saskatchewan Government Relations
Regina, Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 787-2687
Cell: (306) 529-8631
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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Backgrounder
Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement
- Officials from Western Economic Diversification, Canada, Saskatchewan Government Relations and the City of Saskatoon have been working together for over a year to develop a tripartite agreement to address urban issues in a more collaborative and strategic fashion.
- The goals of the Agreement are to identify and address common priorities and build on existing policies, strategies, programs and delivery mechanisms to achieve common social and economic objective in the City of Saskatoon.
- The Agreement was developed taking into consideration the unique needs and opportunities illustrated in the City's strategic plan as well as federal and provincial plans and priorities. Initiatives undertaken are intended to create economic activity that improves the viability, prosperity and quality of life in Saskatoon.
- The Agreement will also provide a framework for the three levels of government to prioritize opportunities. Wherever possible, existing programs will be used to implement and deliver projects under the Agreement.
- Funding of $10 million will be available over a five-year period. $5 million is from the Government of Canada, delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada; $2.5 million comes from the Province of Saskatchewan, delivered by Saskatchewan Government Relations; and $2.5 million is from the City of Saskatoon.
- The funding under this Agreement will help fill gaps and be used to lever or support other funding sources in complementary programs that are addressing similar priorities, such as the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. This UDA also reflects the Government of Canada's commitment, through the New Deal for Cities and Communities, to support communities in achieving economic, social, cultural and environmental sustainability.
- A management committee will be formed to administer and manage the Agreement and review project proposals. Representatives from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon will serve on the committee. Consultations will take place with key stakeholders who will vary depending on the nature of the proposal.
- Projects will be non-commercial in nature. Eligible project recipients must be legal entities. Projects will fall under one of three theme areas:
- Building A Better City: Includes investments in activities that would support a downtown that is a magnet for visitors and citizens of Saskatoon, a high standard of public infrastructure, and access to culture, arts and recreation for all Saskatoon citizens.
- Sustainable Neighbourhoods: Includes investments in activities that would help older Saskatoon neighbourhoods be safe, healthy, vibrant and inclusive places for all people to live and work, particularly residents who face barriers or are disadvantaged.
- A Healthy And Innovative Environment: Includes investments in activities that would support innovative business activity, and that further connections between the community and private firms, research facilities and educational institutions in innovation, research and technology.
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