Today, Regina residents gathered to celebrate I Love Regina Day with children’s activities and live entertainment at Victoria Park and the new Regina City Square plaza. Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, Laura Ross, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Regina Qu’Appelle Valley, and Regina City Councillor Fred Clipsham cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening of the plaza.
"I am pleased that our Government has delivered on this commitment for Regina residents, which has created jobs and helped to grow the local economy, while building a more exciting downtown area,” said MP Boughen, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “We recognize that strong, healthy communities require modern infrastructure which, in turn, translates into more events and activities and increased economic opportunities for our local businesses.”
"The City Square plaza is a great addition to Regina’s downtown and we are pleased to be able to celebrate its grand opening," MLA Ross said on behalf of Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter. "More than $4.5 billion has been committed to Saskatchewan’s highways, roads, schools, hospitals and municipal infrastructure over the last five years. These investments are helping to build the Saskatchewan Advantage.”
"The heart of any city beats the strongest in its downtown," said the Mayor of Regina Pat Fiacco. "The addition of the City Square plaza will be a gathering place for family, friends and neighbours to celebrate our city and all it has to offer."
The multi-purpose Regina City Square plaza, a revitalized portion of 12th Avenue next to Victoria Park, was developed thanks to federal, provincial and municipal funding. Funding under the Government of Canada’s Provincial-Territorial Base Fund was provided as part of a broader initiative to reconstruct 12th Avenue from Lorne Street to between Scarth and Hamilton streets.
An investment of $1.7 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), along with $500,000 from the City of Regina and $300,000 from Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs was provided through the Regina Urban Development Agreement (UDA). The Province also provided $3.3 million through its Municipal Economic Enhancement Program. The City contributed a further $5.2 million for the balance of the project.
The Regina City Square plaza project included design and construction work to convert 12th Avenue between Lorne and Scarth Streets into a new, continuous plaza-style surface from Victoria Park to the buildings on the north side. Features include a performance stage, programmable lighting, and electrical and water services.
This conversion increases space for people to enjoy the park and provides a more welcoming environment for special events and festivals downtown. The project will also significantly enhance both the size of existing festivals and the number of events held in the space each year, and allows the existing Regina Farmers’ Market to expand in the plaza area.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) works to create jobs and economic growth for Western Canada. By promoting new economic opportunities, WD is securing a more diverse and prosperous future for the West while advancing western interests at the national level.
Note: This web version of the news release was amended after its release June 9th to correct details.
Joanne Mysak
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca
Megan Wolfinger
Government Relations
Regina, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-787-2155
Email: megan.wolfinger@gov.sk.ca
Desirae Bernreuther
Media Consultant
City of Regina
Telephone: 777-7486
Email: dbernreu@regina.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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