SOD TURNING CELEBRATES REGINA'S NEW MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY

Regina's new $12 million multi-purpose sport and convention facility moved another step closer to reality today as the official sod-turning ceremony took place at Regina Exhibition Park. The project, which was announced last October, will be completed in the spring of 2005 and will serve as an important new asset to North Central Regina.

The multi-purpose facility is the latest major infrastructure project for urban revitalization initiatives in Regina, which also included the deepening of Wascana Lake. The project is funded jointly by the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government contributing $5 million, $4 million and $3 million respectively. In addition, the Regina Soccer Association has committed to provide a significant community investment toward the new facility.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to partner in creating a facility that will strengthen Regina's recreation facility corridor and uplift the North Central community," said Finance Minister Ralph Goodale. "As the construction of this multi-purpose facility begins to take shape, we are going to see our community's vitality, spirit, and economic well-being rise with it."

"We are pleased to contribute to this lasting legacy that will enhance sport and recreation opportunities for Regina," Regina Elphinstone Centre MLA Warren McCall said on behalf of Government Relations Minister Len Taylor. "This new facility will attract national and international participants and visitors to events at Regina Exhibition Park and in turn showcase Regina and Saskatchewan to the world."

"Regina Exhibition Park provides a vital component to the business, recreation and cultural life of our community. The construction of this new facility in the heart of our inner city will create even more potential for the Park to fulfill that role," said Mayor Fiacco. "The City of Regina is proud to partner with the provincial and federal governments in this valuable investment in the future of our community."

Regina Exhibition Park Past Chair Del Robertson noted that today's ceremony not only marks the ongoing re-development of Regina Exhibition Park, but the celebration of the collective vision of sport, business and community organizations working together to create a facility that would fill the needs of many. "This new multi-purpose facility will provide for much needed indoor recreational space, flexible trade and convention space that will benefit existing clients while creating new opportunities to attract major events to the City of Regina, and provide residents of North Central Regina new programming, services and employment opportunities."

Construction of the new multi-purpose facility, which will be connected to and integrated with the existing Queensbury Downs, will begin in June. The new structure will be nearly 90,000 square feet, feature 35-foot high ceilings and bleacher seating for 1,000. Its location, on the east side of Regina Exhibition Park, will complement Regina's 'sports corridor' which presently includes Taylor Field, the Regina SportPlex and the Regina Agridome.

Funding for this project was provided for in the 2003 federal budget.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Mark Allan Regina Exhibition Park Regina Phone: (306)781-9221	Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942
Sandy Gousseau City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7486	Cathy Gourlie Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306) 787-2687