PRINCE ALBERT AREA TO BENEFIT FROM A $2.8 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM THE BUILDING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

People in Prince Albert and surrounding areas will soon enjoy increased access to recreational activities with a $2,781,657 Building Communities Program investment from the province of Saskatchewan. The funding will go towards the construction of the Prince Albert Field House and the Prince Albert Multi Use Trail.

The Building Communities Program is the largest per capita cultural and recreational infrastructure program in Canada.

"Sport and recreational opportunities are crucial to building strong, cohesive communities," Prince Albert Northcote MLA Eldon Lautermilch said on behalf of Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Sandra Morin. "The new Prince Albert Field House and Multi Use Trail will give youth and families the access to facilities they need to engage in physical activity and a healthy, active lifestyle."

Lautermilch and Prince Albert Carlton MLA Myron Kowalsky were in Prince Albert today to announce funding for the Prince Albert Field House and the Multi Use Trail. The new Field House is receiving $2,552,157 from the Building Communities Program. Upon completion the facility will feature two soccer pitches, a raised walking track, a multipurpose recreational space and a wellness centre. The Multi Use Trail will feature an asphalt walkway around the city and a skateboard park. The Trail received a $229,500 Building Communities Program investment.

"This is a welcome development for the city of Prince Albert and the surrounding area," Kowalsky said. "The Building Communities Program is one more way that we're making Saskatchewan a great place to live, work and raise a family."

"Today is a great day for the City of Prince Albert and neighbouring communities," Prince Albert Mayor Jim Scarrow said. "The Soccer Fieldhouse will be a multipurpose facility and provide for a wide range of activities to benefit not only the youth of our community, but every age group. Additionally, the Rotary Trail funding will allow for further expansion and improvements to this popular community recreation asset."

The Building Communities Program is providing $100 million for cultural and recreational infrastructure over three years, beginning in 2006-07. The program seeks to ensure the sustainability of cultural and recreational infrastructure in communities throughout the province.

Information on the Building Communities Program can be found on Culture, Youth and Recreation's website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Culture, Youth and Recreation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: jpeters@cyr.gov.sk.ca