FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS INVEST IN SAFER STREETS AND SIDEWALKS FOR REGINA

The City of Regina will benefit from new roads, improved safety and reduced traffic congestion thanks to a joint investment from federal and provincial governments under the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).

Funding of more than $1.3 million was announced today by Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson and Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina Qu'Appelle.

"Regina and Saskatchewan are leading the country in growth, and growth places demands on our city infrastructure," Hutchinson said. "These projects will help Regina maintain its reputation as a driver-friendly city while ensuring the goods and services produced here will arrive at their markets more quickly."

"These investments will help reduce traffic congestion, improve commuter safety and support economic and commercial development in Regina," said Scheer. "The Government of Canada is proud to make infrastructure investments that will have real and lasting benefits for the residents of Regina."

The City of Regina will undertake several street and sidewalk improvement projects for the 2008 construction season. Two of the projects include reconstruction of Albert Street between Hill Avenue and 23rd Avenue and the widening, including a left-hand turning lane, of the intersection at Quance Street and University Park Drive.

"City council is committed to fixing more streets and roads year after year," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "We are pleased to work with our federal and provincial partners to help achieve this and thank them for their financial commitment. All of us know that good roads and a good civic infrastructure are the lifeblood of a community and partnerships like this one are vital to achieving success."

Under the initial Canada-Sakatchewan MRIF Agreement, the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $76 million to the fund, with participating communities contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment to more than $152 million.

Last year, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan contributed an additional $14.9 million to MRIF as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment in MRIF projects to more than $90.9 million.

These projects are an example of how MRIF is supporting a stronger, safer and better Canada through infrastructure projects that provide cleaner air and water, a stronger economy and a higher quality of life.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942

Greg Urbanoski
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2155