PROVINCE CELEBRATES REDA WEEK WITH BATTLEFORD, BIG GULLY AND BORDER REDAS

Organizations committed to grassroots community economic development are being celebrated for their achievements during Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA) Week in Saskatchewan, February 19th to 25th.

Saskatchewan's 28 REDAs develop and promote the economic strengths of their regions and represent collaboration among local governments, businesses, communities, co-operatives, and First Nations and Métis people.

"REDAs harness the economic potential of our regions through partnerships and engagement, and that gives Saskatchewan a distinct advantage for regional growth," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "By fostering investment and job creation, our REDAs are leading the way to a thriving, diverse economy and enhancing quality of life."

Saskatchewan Rural Development will become Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development, effective April 1st.

"REDAs will continue to play a key role in the new Department of Regional Economic and Co-operative Development," Serby said. "The new department will retain the emphasis on rural economic development and growth that the previous department had. The new name recognizes and affirms the importance of economic development efforts, and the role of co-ops in that development, at the local level."

The Strategic Alliance, a partnership between the Big Gully, Border and Battleford REDAs, has undertaken an investment readiness analysis of the region to help municipal members understand what they need to do to be ready for future developments. A project survey will determine what type of commercial, residential and industrial land is available for development, whether the land parcels are serviced and have access to roads, and whether appropriate zoning by-laws are in place. The information from the survey will be compiled and the recommendations will be provided to partner municipalities.

"The survey results will help municipalities determine whether or not they are ready for business attraction and expansion," Strategic Alliance General Manager Ryan Bater said. "This initiative will enhance business friendliness and preparedness of the region for future developments."

Past project support to rural REDAs around the province under the REDA Enhancement Fund has enabled REDAs to leverage investments of more than $4 million for 177 projects. To date, these projects have realized capital investments of more than $38 million, along with the creation of 174 jobs and the maintenance of 90 jobs. These numbers are expected to double in the next two years as the projects proceed into their final stages.

REDA members and partners are champions of world-class economic development practices. Saskatchewan's business retention and expansion, industry cluster development, and strategic alliance initiatives have received prestigious awards as best in the province, nation and world.

REDAs have a number of special activities scheduled during the week, including the Saskatchewan Economic Developers Association's Moving to the Next Level conference, February 22nd and 23rd in Saskatoon.

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Rural Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359