SITE APPROVALS UP 240 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS IN SMALLER URBANS AND RMS

Saskatchewan's strong economy is fostering growth throughout the province, including areas outside of its largest cities. Subdivision and site approvals in smaller urban and in rural municipalities have surged in the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, resulting in a 240 per cent increase in site approvals over the previous four years.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs, through its Community Planning branch, has approved 5,269 subdivision applications resulting in 19,780 sites approved for the fiscal years 2007 through 2011, in areas outside of the province's ten largest cities.

"The Saskatchewan advantage is clear in our municipalities, and we are working with all levels of government to ensure we continue and sustain that growth," Municipal Affairs Minister Darryl Hickie said. "It is exciting that growth is not just occurring in our larger urban centres. We know our major cities are among the fastest growing in the nation, but we are also seeing tremendous growth in recreation areas, higher-growth rural municipalities and smaller urban communities."

Projections for the coming year anticipate continued high levels of applications and approvals.

The province has supported the development of residential, commercial and industrial lots through the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative (SIGI), which provides interest rate subsidies for up to five years for municipal borrowing.

SIGI is an ongoing initiative through 2015-16. Total approved borrowing through the program through 2010-11 is $207 million, leading to the development of 2,730 residential lots, nine commercial lot projects, three industrial lot projects and 46 off-site infrastructure projects.

In addition, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, in partnership with Enterprise Saskatchewan and the federal and municipal levels of government, is administering the Planning for Growth Program, aimed at helping groups of municipalities with development, and providing assistance for a wide range of activities; from building relationships, to developing official community plans, to establishing planning commissions. All of which contribute to the success of strong communities and regions.

"Our province is moving forward, and preparing for growth is definitely a priority," Hickie said. "We're committed to helping municipalities and all Saskatchewan people benefit from our strong economy."

More information on provincially-administered municipal programs is available at www.municipal.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Welke
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Email: jwelke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1185