PROVINCE AND CORNERSTONE REDA CELEBRATE REDA WEEK

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 Red Coat regional waste project is an example of REDAs partnering with communities to develop environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Facilitated by the Cornerstone REDA, the project was developed in response to new environmental regulations requiring communities to upgrade their land facilities. By forming a regional waste system, the Red Coat Regional Waste Authority (RCRWA) ensures many smaller communities have a cost-effective means of dealing with waste and recyclables.

"The RCRWA allows communities to share capital costs and develop more sustainable waste management practices," Cornerstone REDA Manager Judy Riddell said. "It also encourages waste reduction and recycling. Last year alone, we were able to ensure that 540 tonnes of material were recycled and kept from our landfills."

The collaborative recycling project employs one program co-ordinator, eight full-time staff at the recycling depot and 13 part-time staff at transfer stations.

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 22nc and 23rd in Saskatoon.

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For More Information, Contact:

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