AMENDMENTS TO THE REGIONAL PARKS ACT INTRODUCED

Legislation to provide regional park authorities the legal power to borrow funds from lending institutions has been given second reading.

"The Regional Parks Amendment Act 2004, is one of the most important bills that Saskatchewan Environment has ever recognized on behalf of our Regional Parks system, since the inception of The Regional Parks Act of 1964," Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association President John Froese said. "It provides regional park boards with greater flexibility in funding their parks including the option to borrow funds as we move ahead into the 21st century."

Regional park authorities have borrowed money from financial institutions in previous years, however, until now the power to borrow money was not specifically recognized in legislation. This amendment to the legislation will recognize and facilitate regional park authorities' ability to borrow money to fund their operations and capital projects.

"Saskatchewan has 101 regional parks that continue to provide us with places to relax and enjoy the local environment as well as contribute to the economic development and the quality of life in rural Saskatchewan," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "These amendments will assist regional park authorities in operating their parks."

Regional parks are autonomous bodies and the management of ongoing park operations is the responsibility of individual park boards.

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For More Information, Contact:

Susan Graham Saskatchewan Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-2898

Darlene Friesen Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-0857