PRINCE ALBERT VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE RECEIVES $2.3 MILLION FROM THE ASSOCIATED ENTITIES FUND

Energy and Mines Minister Eldon Lautermilch, on behalf of Municipal

Affairs, Culture and Housing Minister Carol Teichrob, announced today

that $2.3 million has been set aside from the unallocated balance of

the Associated Entities Fund for the Prince Albert Visual and

Performing Arts Centre.



"Construction for the arts centre will be a sizable boost for the

local economy," Lautermilch said. "It is also expected to encourage

new partnerships and maximize industry potential, by linking and

expanding cultural development and tourism in the city and area as

well as provide eight permanent jobs in Prince Albert for the ongoing

operation of the centre."



The visual and performing arts centre is the first phase of the city's

downtown area redevelopment plan with an estimated cost of

$9.8 million more than $3 million has already been committed from

community groups, local businesses and other sources.



"Providing funding for capital projects such as the Prince Albert

Visual and Performing Arts Centre from the unallocated balance of the

Associated Entities Fund demonstrates the government's interest in

developing strong, safe and self reliant communities and will

facilitate local economic development and employment," Lautermilch

said.



The Associated Entities Fund was established by the Saskatchewan

Gaming Corporation Act to distribute a portion of casino profits

for the benefit of Saskatchewan people. The AEF distributes

grants to exhibition associations, M‚tis organizations, and local

community groups that provide programs and services for

vulnerable children, youth and families.



"The visual and performing arts centre will provide ongoing

benefits to children, youth and families within the Prince Albert

community and demonstrates, in a tangible way, the use of casino

profits to yield ongoing social benefits through expanded culture

and recreation opportunities," Lautermilch said.



The $2.3 million announced today will be available once the

Prince Albert Visual and Performing Arts Centre has satisfied all

of the criteria established for the grant.



The Associated Entities Fund receives a portion of the profits

from Casino Regina, the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford,

the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert and the Painted Hand

Casino in Yorkton.



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For more information, contact:



Maureen Boyle, Communications

Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5959