Western Economic Diversification News Release
January 7, 2008

Saskatchewan-Manitoba Tourism Corridor receives Fed-Prov funding

Langenburg, Saskatchewan - 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.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Christine Tell, Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, and Garry Breitkreuz, Yorkton-Melville Member of Parliament, 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.

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

"The agencies that make up the Assiniboine Development Corridor Inc. recognize the importance of partnership," said Ms. Tell. "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."

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will provide $90,000 while Saskatchewan Regional Economic and Co-operative Development will contribute $15,000. The funding will be used to hire contractors to develop an identifiable brand for the organization, maps and a website 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 Vergin, SK to St. Lazare, MB," said Bob Cross, chair of ACDI. "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.