SASKATOON URBAN DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FUNDS FIRST PROJECT

Three lots in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood will be cleaned up for future development with federal, provincial and municipal funding under the Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement. This is the first project approved under the agreement, which was announced in May 2005.

The Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable David Forbes, Saskatchewan Minister of Labour on behalf of Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen, and Donald Atchison, Mayor of Saskatoon, announced funding for the $1,005,340 project today. The City will provide $390,000, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will provide $365,340 and the Province will provide $250,000.

The work included demolishing an existing warehouse and small strip mall and excavating and disposing of contaminated soil, bringing the site up to commercial and residential standards. The site includes 1120 20th Street West, 218 Avenue L South and 219 Avenue K South.

"The Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement is an excellent tool with which the Government of Canada can help improve the quality of life in our communities," said Minister Skelton. "I'm pleased how we can apply the concept of recycling and re-using—in this case municipal property--to helping our communities rejuvenate and prepare for future growth."

"Saskatchewan's new century is a time to rebuild and reinvest in our communities," Minister Forbes said. "This project is a good example of our provincial government's vision that Saskatchewan is known as a place that is dynamic, innovative and strong -- a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"The remediation of this site is a positive step in the reinvestment of our core neighbourhoods," said Mayor Atchison. "From the humble beginnings of a lumberyard in the early 1900s to exciting future developments, the hub of Avenue K and 20th Street is going to be a vital part of this community."

The five-year Saskatoon Urban Development Agreement, signed between the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon, will invest $10 million in revitalizing the city's older neighbourhoods, encouraging participation in artistic, recreational and cultural activities, and promoting a positive business climate that attracts innovation.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement while Saskatchewan Government Relations is the provincial department responsible for administering this agreement.

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For More Information, Contact:

Amy Ringdahl Office of the Minister of National Revenue Ottawa Phone: (613) 996-9331	Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5942
Cathy Gourlie Government Relations Regina Phone: (306)787-2687	Jill Cope City of Saskatoon Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-3461