WASCANA LAKE INTERPRETIVE PANELS UNVEILED

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, Premier Lorne Calvert, and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco officially marked the completion of the Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project by unveiling three interpretive panels on the "Big Dig" today. The three are among 16 new interpretive panels installed this spring, which tell the history of the last century of development in the city of Regina, the legislative grounds and Wascana Lake.

"A little over a year ago, we celebrated the end of an enormous construction project that captured our imaginations and left us anticipating the final finishing touches," Minister Goodale said. "Looking at the lake and Wascana Centre today, I'm confident we've achieved the vision of those early pioneers who dreamed of creating a prairie oasis. This project is also a tremendously successful example of how Canadians can benefit from the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund."

"We have truly created a lasting legacy for generations to come," Calvert said. "The dedication of everyone involved in this project has extended the life of Wascana Lake by another hundred years, and ensured that it will still be here when we celebrate Saskatchewan's next centennial."

"We know how important Wascana Lake is to the quality of life in our city and Regina residents have been eagerly awaiting completion of the final touches to the lake and park," Mayor Fiacco said. "The panels being unveiled today not only mark the end of the project, but also pay tribute to a lasting legacy in the heart of our city. This is a new beginning for Wascana Centre."

The 16 panels each contain a brief narrative, researched by local historians, that is complemented by photos and graphics. The three final panels unveiled by Minister Goodale, Premier Calvert and Mayor Fiacco commemorate the biggest infrastructure project undertaken in this area in a century—the Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project. The other 13 panels demonstrate the strength and stamina of Saskatchewan pioneers, the dreams and vision of the next generation, and the commitment in the new century to keep the dream alive for future generations.

The panel unveiling also means the Premier, Minister Goodale and Mayor Fiacco officially dedicated the revitalized infrastructure back into the stewardship of the Wascana Centre Authority. The infrastructure constructed by the three levels of government will provide a foundation for future growth and improvements at Wascana Centre in the years to come.

The Wascana Lake Urban Revitalization Project was an $18-million initiative cost-shared by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Federal funding for the project was provided under the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942 Cell: (306)539-3196	Nadine Sisk Saskatchewan Property Management Regina Phone: (306)787-9225 Cell: (306)535-1930
Lisa Wilson-Sturm City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7486 Cell: (306)537-1994