ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS ANNOUNCED FOR NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

Four northern Saskatchewan communities have been allocated funds from the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) that will go toward economic revitalization.

The communities of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN), Flying Dust First Nation (FDFN), Sakitawak Development Corporation (SDC) and the Town of Nipawin have each been allocated $100,000 to draw up economic plans and carry out feasibility studies on economic projects.

All of these communities were affected by the global economic downturn that affected the forestry industry resulting in the closure or scaling down of lumber mills and operations that these communities depended on.

"Saskatchewan communities have proven to be resourceful in finding new economic opportunities in the face of economic challenges," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "It is why we're offering support to these communities so that they can diversify their economies and create jobs and economic growth."

PBCN will use their funds to conduct a feasibility study on producing value added wood waste materials. FDFN, SDC and the Town of Nipawin will use their funds to draw up comprehensive Economic Development Plans aimed at diversifying their economies.

In 2008, the federal government announced a $1 billion Community Development Trust Fund intended to help support activities that strengthen economic opportunities for communities negatively affected by global financial and commodity market disruption.

Saskatchewan's share of the fund is $36.4 million over three years. Since last year, the province has been allocating funds to various communities for feasibility studies, drawing up economic development plans and upgrading or constructing infrastructure projects.

Funding requests from other communities are still being finalized and further details will be provided once this process is complete. The application and guidelines are posted on the Enterprise Saskatchewan website at www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca