$500,000 CENTENARY GRANT TO SASKATCHEWAN'S URBAN PARKS

The province is providing the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Conservation Agencies with $500,000 for major improvement programs in six urban parks.

The urban parks receiving funding include: Wakamow Valley Authority, Moose Jaw; Wascana Centre Authority, Regina; Tatagwa Parkway, Weyburn; Meewasin Valley Authority, Saskatoon; Chinook Parkway, Swift Current; and Battlefords River Valley, North Battleford.

"Our urban parks are a focal point for community activity," Environment Minister Buckley Belanger said. "The Centenary Fund provides the opportunity to make our urban parks more accessible, more beautiful and more enjoyable."

The grant is part of a three-year program that will provide a broad range of improvements in urban parks in time to mark the celebration of the province's centennial in 2005. The projects include everything from the usual pathways and park benches to such things as weir development in Saskatoon's Meewasin Valley and walking trails in Weyburn's Tatagwa Parkway.

"The Centenary Fund projects have generated lots of community interest," Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Conservation Agencies President Arnold Giddings said. "Many volunteer groups have become involved with these projects, contributing time and labour."

The Centenary Fund will leave a legacy of Saskatchewan's centennial for future generations. It supports specific infrastructure needs related to housing, education, heritage properties, parks, highways, environmental clean-up and municipal infrastructure.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ken Lozinsky Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-2854

Arnold Giddings Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Conser Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 692-6267