MELFORT RECEIVES ALMOST $2 MILLION FROM THE PROVINCE THROUGH THE BUILDING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

The province of Saskatchewan has contributed $1,926,640 of Building Communities Program funds to the city of Melfort for the proposed Melfort Cultural Centre.

"The City of Melfort has a diverse and thriving cultural sector," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Sandra Morin said. "The government of Saskatchewan's investment in the new facility will help increase access to cultural opportunities and give families and youth a solid foundation on which to build a future."

Morin was in Melfort today to announce funding for the Cultural Centre. The new facility will replace certain functions of the existing North East Leisure Centre. The Melfort Cultural Centre will feature a multipurpose cultural and recreational room with seating for up to 500 people, an art gallery, a craft room and an outdoor amphitheatre.

"We are very pleased to acknowledge the Saskatchewan Government's support of this very important project," Melfort Mayor Kevin Phillips said. "The Government, working with the people of Melfort, is building a commitment to the strong future in our area."

The Building Communities Program is the largest per capita cultural and infrastructure program in Canada. The Program is providing $100 million for cultural and recreational infrastructure over three years, beginning in 2006-07. In order to receive support from the program, community projects must have a regional approach, sound business plans and other financial partners.

Information on the Building Communities Program can be found on Culture, Youth and Recreation's website www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: jpeters@cyr.gov.sk.ca