Western Economic Diversification News Release
January 22, 2008

Yorkton and area residents benefit from over $944,000 in infrastructure investments

Yorkton, Saskatchewan - The residents of Yorkton, Canora, Esterhazy, Hudson Bay, Kelvington, Langenburg, Melville and Sturgis will benefit from over $944,000 in combined federal and provincial funding through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) to build and upgrade community cultural and recreational facilities.

Today's announcement includes more than $135,000 for the City of Yorkton to upgrade the Yorkton Kinsmen Arena. The Town of Sturgis will receive $250,000 for the construction of a new cultural centre. A full list of project descriptions and investments is attached.

This investment was announced by the Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Saskatchewan Minister of Municipal Affairs; Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, 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; and Mayor Chris Wyatt from the City of Yorkton.

"I'm very pleased that the provincial government is able to work alongside the federal government and municipalities to invest in these important community facilities," Minister Hutchinson said. "Working together like this helps the Province build the foundation of a government-to-government relationship with municipalities that will deliver real and lasting benefits to the people of Saskatchewan."

"These communities will benefit from increased access to cultural and recreational facilities that are modern, energy efficient, and meet the needs of residents and visitors," said MP Breitkreuz. "The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with all orders of government to help these municipalities grow as strong, healthy, prosperous and vibrant communities."

"The City of Yorkton is proud to once again partner with our Federal and Provincial levels of government to enhance the quality of life in our city," said Mayor Chris Wyatt. "The funds from the MRIF program will not only make the Kinsmen Arena more energy efficient, it will bring it up to code for the next twenty years. As this city struggles to fund infrastructure and building repair deficits, it truly appreciates the support from the federal and provincial levels of government."

Under the initial MRIF agreement, the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $76 million to the Fund, with participating communities contributing one-half of all costs, raising the total infrastructure investment above $152 million.

In 2007, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan provided an additional $14.9 million to the Fund as part of their commitment to help smaller communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. This additional funding brings the total federal and provincial investment in MRIF projects to over $90.9 million.

This announcement is part of a larger group of 56 MRIF cultural and recreational projects being announced across the province. The federal and provincial governments are providing more than $5.7 million towards the projects' $12.69 million total cost.

Before receiving final approval, community projects undergo a review process under both the Canadian Environment Assessment Act and The Environmental Assessment Act (Saskatchewan).

Backgrounder
Yorkton and Area Infrastructure Projects -
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
City of Yorkton - Upgrades for Yorkton Kinsmen Arena
MRIF funding: $135,780; Project cost: $271,560
The City will rebuild the refrigeration system in the Kinsmen Arena, including upgrades to the compressors and replacement of other related pumps and motors. These improvements will increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease operating costs. Flooring will also be replaced throughout the lobby and dressing room areas to meet health and safety standards and extend the life of the facility.

Town of Canora - Solar Heating for Canora Pool
MRIF funding: $87,838; Project cost: $175,676
The Town of Canora will replace the old heating system for its outdoor pool with solar pool heating supplemented by a new, more efficient boiler. This will reduce operating costs, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and stabilize pool heating for the comfort and enjoyment of pool patrons.

Town of Esterhazy - Arena Complex Upgrades
MRIF funding: $192,570; Project cost: $385,142
Upgrades to the Esterhazy Arena Complex will include replacement of the ice re-surfacer room, and installation of concrete in the skating and curling rinks. The new ice re-surfacer room will be expanded to accommodate year-round storage of necessary equipment and to enable repairs to be done inside the building. The concrete floors in the skating and curling rinks will enable year-round use of the building for recreational and cultural programs.

Town of Hudson Bay - Solar Heating for Hudson Bay Recreation Facility
MRIF funding: $47,644; Project cost: $95,288
The Town will install a solar heating system at its pool. This will increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The expected reduction in operating costs will improve prospects for long-term viability of this facility.

Town of Kelvington - Upgrades/Retrofit for Kelvington Swimming Pool
MRIF funding: $81,968; Project cost: $163,937
The Kelvington swimming pool will be upgraded with the installation of a new solar heating system, fence, pool cover, lighting retrofits, energy efficient pumps, filters, chlorinator, showers, toilets, taps and a portable aquatic lift. The improvements will conserve energy and water, increase accessibility for disabled patrons, reduce operating costs, and provide a more comfortable and efficient facility for all users.

Town of Langenburg -Community Centre Roof Replacement
MRIF funding: $71,664; Project cost: $143,330
The Town will replace the roof on the Langenburg Community Centre. The new roof and upgraded insulation will extend the life of this facility, increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve comfort levels for all users.

City of Melville - Upgrades for Melville Curling Rink
MRIF funding: $77,052; Project cost: $154,103
The City will upgrade the Melville Curling Rink, including structural repairs and installation of energy efficient furnaces and heating units. These improvements will extend the lifespan of the building, increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

Town of Sturgis - Construction of Sturgis and District Cultural Centre
MRIF funding: $250,000; Project cost: $1,060,500
The Town will build a new, energy efficient cultural centre to replace its community hall. The facility will be located adjacent to existing sports grounds, with easy access to water and sewer facilities, and sufficient parking space to accommodate large events. The construction of this facility will expand the number and type of events that can be held in this community, encourage economic development, and attract new residents and visitors.

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Total MRIF funding: $944,516
Total project costs: $2,449,536