NEW STUDY AIMED AT REVITALIZING MAIN STREET IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan is studying innovative ways of building the economy, celebrating the province's heritage and strengthening pride of place.

Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport is commissioning a study on Main Street revitalization. Main Street programs are time-tested initiatives that have encouraged economic and social development of communities across North America through heritage conservation. Past examples of successful Main Street revitalizations include Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg.

The $50,000 study will conduct a review of programs in other jurisdictions and explore options for Main Street programs that will meet Saskatchewan's current needs.

"Economic development that recognizes our valuable heritage assets will make a great contribution to our quality of life," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell said. "This study is an important step in creating an approach to economic development that preserves our heritage and stimulates local economies while celebrating our unique culture."

The Government of Saskatchewan has contracted with the Heritage Canada Foundation to conduct the study and submit a report later in 2009.

"The Heritage Canada Foundation feels that the provincial government is very much on the right track with this initiative which will connect heritage resources to economic development," Heritage Canada Foundation Saskatchewan Governor Ross Keith said. "We will use our extensive experience in this area to review existing programs in other jurisdictions, examining their successes and challenges, and will be able to identify best practices to incorporate in Saskatchewan."

The Main Street Program Concept Development Study is part of the ministry's Research and Development Strategy. This strategy, a component of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector Development Plan, is testing innovative and creative approaches to cultural development. The Sector Development Plan will help further strengthen an already vibrant and growing arts, culture and heritage sector.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.stgeorge@gov.sk.ca