Infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives and tourism projects in southeast and south-central Saskatchewan are at the centre of funding of over $2.3 million from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).
The investments support the efforts of coal transition communities to upgrade community infrastructure, attract new investment opportunities, and create jobs.
“PrairiesCan is proud to see the collaboration happening in southern Saskatchewan to build community resilience in the transition to a green economy,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “These projects are the result of communities working on new economic opportunities and economic infrastructure that supports tourism, business development, and employment initiatives.”
The funding supports eight projects worth a total of $2,335,683:
Rural Municipality of Coalfields
- $717,249 to upgrade Primary Grid Road 605 – Bienfait to Lampman interconnect. The road was in desperate need of repairs as a main connector between two active municipalities. The improvements will be complete in 2024 and will be a great asset to the communities and businesses that this road connects.
- $233,200 to restore La Roche Percee Provincial Historic Site. The restoration begins in the spring of 2024. This site is unique to Saskatchewan and the heritage value of La Roche Percee site lies in its status as an important First Nation and North-West Mounted Police landmark as well as a visual record of the region’s ever-changing historical landscape. The site remains a significant landmark and is considered sacred by First Nations and locals. Restoring this unique destination by adding picnic tables, new lighting, new pathways and paving the road will significantly increase tourism to the area.
Southeast Saskatchewan Economic Partnership Inc. (SSEP)
- $349,234 to complete the Rafferty Marina Phase 2 Engineering and Consultation Requirements. The Rural Municipalities of Estevan No. 5 and Coalfields No. 4, and the Town of Bienfait, have collaborated under the auspices of SSEP to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a new deep-water marina on McDonald Lake, near Estevan. This initiative aims to encompass recreational and permanent docking facilities, complemented by residential and commercial lot development surrounding the marina. The overarching objective is to bolster regional tourism and recreational activities and serve as a catalyst for economic growth.
Southeast College
- $200,000 to expand an industry-accredited Heavy Equipment Operator program in Estevan. This expansion included the purchase of two additional classroom simulators.
Sunrise Community Futures Development Corporation
- $100,000 to assist new or existing businesses and social enterprises in southeast Saskatchewan to create and develop online strategies.
Town of Coronach
- $120,000 to hire a consultant to develop a roadmap for the Town and region to promote its tourism assets, including the Big Muddy Badlands and other natural and historical attractions. The project will also involve training and business support to tourism operators on how to refine and market their experiences and better utilize software to reach customers and improve booking services.
- $240,000 to coordinate municipalities in the region to advance economic development priorities, including tourism, clean energy, value added agriculture and mining.
Poplar River Community Park Inc.
- $216,000 to upgrade the campground, as well as park facilities and amenities, to expand tourism opportunities at Poplar River Community Park.
Town of Willow Bunch
- $160,000 to upgrade a public building for commercial and industrial business use.
Contacts:
Andria Brady, General Manager
Community Futures Sunrise
306-897-5885
Antonae Hylton, Project Coordinator
Southeast Sask Economic Partnership Inc.
403-864-6540
Sharleine Eger
Town of Willow Bunch
306-473-2450
Leanne Totton
Poplar River Community Park
Coronach, SK
306-267-2005
Renea Paridaen, Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Coronach
306-267-2150
Sheena Onrait, Vice President, Communications and Strategic Enrollment
Southeast College
306-637-6101
The Southeast Sask Economic Partnership is working with the RMs of Estevan and Coalfields and the Town of Bienfait to bring new ecomonic opportunties to our region.
