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News Release

For Release
September 22, 2006

Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan Funds Recreational Initiatives

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — The City of Prince Albert is opening the new Kinsmen Skateboard and BMX Park tomorrow thanks, in part, to funding from the federal Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative, which commemorates and celebrates the province's 100th birthday. Two other projects funded under the initiative, the Scarrow Plaza and nine kilometres of the 23-kilometre Rotary Trail, are also close to completion.

“Canada's New Government is supporting families in their efforts to keep active and encourage children in fitness,” said the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “We are proud to contribute to these terrific facilities that will create new recreational opportunities in Prince Albert.”

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) provided $100,000 towards building the Kinsmen Skateboard and BMX Park. WD contributed $500,000 towards $770,300 in construction costs for nine kilometres of the city’s Rotary Trail system. More than six kilometres are already built. Work on this portion of the trail will continue until freeze-up. The whole trail is expected to be finished in 2010.

Finally, $85,820 in Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan funding went towards upgrading, landscaping and furnishing the Scarrow Plaza, located east of the provincial courthouse and north of the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts. The space is about 95 per cent finished and will provide a link between the Rotary Trail and the Rawlinson Centre.

“On behalf of City Council and the citizens of Prince Albert, I would like to sincerely thank WD for providing funding that will benefit the community of Prince Albert for many years to come,” said Mayor Jim Stiglitz. “Prince Albert will be home to one of the largest skateboard parks in Western Canada that will be used by thousands of youth while the Rotary Trail will allow our citizens to explore the beauty of Prince Albert including the plaza located north of the E.A Rawlinson Centre.”

“The Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan initiative provided Prince Albert another opportunity for our community to benefit, bond and work together to ensure these projects were a tremendous success,” added Mayor Stiglitz.

Canada Celebrates Saskatchewan was a community-based, grassroots initiative designed to commemorate Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday. This province-wide initiative enabled communities to undertake capital projects to improve or upgrade civic facilities and created a permanent legacy of the province’s centennial for future generations.

The grand opening for the Kinsmen Skateboard and BMX Park will be held September 23 at 1:00 p.m. Demonstration teams from both sports will provide exhibits after the formal program.

For additional information, contact:

Mike Winterburn
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Tel: (613) 995-2960

Heather Waldern-Hinds
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5475

WD Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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