SASKATCHEWAN-MANITOBA TOURISM CORRIDOR RECEIVES FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL FUNDING

The Assiniboine Corridor Development Inc. (ACDI) will receive a $105,000 investment from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan to implement marketing initiatives and materials to raise awareness of the region.

Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Christine Tell on behalf of Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart, and Yorkton-Melville Member of Parliament Garry Breitkreuz, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, announced the funding today.

"The agencies that make up the Assiniboine Development Corridor Inc. recognize the importance of partnership," Tell said. "Growth within today's economy requires co-operation and collaboration among stakeholders, which is demonstrated here by the development of opportunities by these regional partners."

"This investment helps realize a unified vision for the people of the Assiniboine Corridor region, and will focus on activities that translate into increased economic benefits and stronger communities," said Breitkreuz. "This project is an excellent example of how the Government of Canada works in partnership with other governments and organizations to benefit Canadians and the residents of this region."

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will provide $90,000 while Enterprise and Innovation will contribute $15,000. The funding will be used to hire contractors to develop an identifiable brand for the organization, maps and a web site as well as self-guided tour brochures. Similar items will be developed in French.

"We're developing tourism along the Assiniboine River and its tributaries with connections from Veregin, SK to St. Lazare, MB," ACDI chair Bob Cross said. "Utilizing the successful footprint of the Red River Corridor in Manitoba, we are developing destinations for visitors to stay for extended periods along the Assiniboine River.

The Assiniboine Development Corridor Inc. is an organization dedicated to attracting people year-round to the 31 municipalities and First Nation communities located around the Assiniboine River and its tributaries. The corridor runs from Kamsack and Duck Mountain Provincial Park in the north to Esterhazy, Saskatchewan and St. Lazare, Manitoba, in the south. It includes Riding Mountain National Park. ADCI wants to develop the corridor into a year-round recreational, tourism, economic and conservation area.

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For more information, contact:

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

Jenna Robertson
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jroberts@agr.gov.sk.va

Rosalyn Cockerill
Yellowhead REDA
Phone: 306-743-5177