CANADA-SASKATCHEWAN HISTORIC PLACES INITIATIVE CONTINUES

Historic places in Saskatchewan will continue to benefit from the heritage conservation tools that have been developed through the Canada Historic Places Initiative (HPI).

The Historic Places Initiative, a federal-provincial/territorial partnership in which Saskatchewan has been participating since 2003, is aimed at celebrating historic places and fostering a culture of heritage property conservation. The federal government has turned the initiative into a permanent program, and the Government of Saskatchewan has signed on to continue its participation.

"Conserving heritage places contributes to the economic and social viability of our communities by reducing the need for new infrastructure, encouraging tourism, and by reminding us of our connection to the past and to the land," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "In Saskatchewan, the initiative has been an invaluable complement to on-going heritage programming, and has enhanced sharing of heritage conservation ideas and best practices with other jurisdictions."

The HPI consists of three core components: a Canadian Register of Historic Places that provides a comprehensive listing of formally recognized historic places in Canada; Canadian conservation standards and guidelines for the appropriate preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of historic properties; and a certification process to ensure that only eligible properties listed in the Canadian Register receive financial assistance under the federally administered Commercial Heritage Property Incentive Fund.

Under the allocation agreement, Saskatchewan is receiving $639,754 to implement the HPI in 2005-2006, the same amount as in 2004-2005. The program is administered in Saskatchewan through the Heritage Resources Unit of Culture, Youth and Recreation.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Historic Places Initiative is committed to promoting our historic places and providing Canadians with the basic tools to conserve heritage.

For more information on the Canada-Saskatchewan Historic Places Initiative, call (306) 787-8600

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967