NEW RECYCLE CENTRE IN REGINA TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL ECONOMY

A new $2.1 million Habitat for Humanity Facility will stimulate and grow the local economy, thanks to funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Regina.

The project was announced today by Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan on behalf of Municipal Affairs Minister Jeremy Harrison, Member of Parliament Andrew Scheer on behalf of Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Lynne Yelich, and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco. It is being funded through the tripartite Urban Development Agreement (UDA) negotiated between the three levels of government.

"When the three levels of government work together through mechanisms like the Urban Development Agreement, good things result for the citizens we all serve," Duncan said. "I'm very pleased to see such a worthy project receive UDA funding."

"Our government is proud to support Habitat for Humanity with this project as it will help create new opportunities and revitalize Regina's business district," said Scheer. "This investment in skills training and innovative construction will create a more productive and competitive Regina."

"Habitat for Humanity is an integral part of our community helping families realize the dream of home ownership," Fiacco said. "The new Recycle and Restore facility provides a larger outlet for people to purchase recycled building supplies and divert additional waste away from the landfill."

The new 15,000 square foot Habitat for Humanity facility will house ReStore and Recycle operations, administration offices and an indoor shop space for pre-fabricating housing components. This facility will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills by reusing donated building materials and selling them to consumers.

With new employment opportunities created, the construction of a new facility will create a positive business climate and increase the competitiveness of Regina's business district.
Regina's Habitat for Humanity offers building programs to support the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies training programs, Ehrlo Community Services, and the Regina Skills and Trades Centre. These programs are aimed at helping at-risk youth - many of whom are of Aboriginal descent - obtain employment skills.

"We applaud the support of the three levels of government working in partnership with Habitat to create economic development opportunities through skills and trades programs for our youth, and promote responsible recycling and solid waste management practices," Habitat for Humanity Regina Chairman of the Board Bob Linner said. "The new ReStore will enhance our capacity to build more homes for those low income working families who will realize the dream of home ownership."

The Government of Canada is investing $1.08 million in this project, the City of Regina is investing $512,500 and the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $493,750. These investments will produce both new and continuing jobs for the Regina area and will promote further economic growth and future community sustainability.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Government's Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-5942

Tyler McMurchy
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Cell: 306-537-7051

Kaeli Madill
City of Regina
Regina
Phone: 306-777-7486

Dennis Coutts
Habitat for Humanity
Regina
Phone: 306-522-9705