Legislative Report
(22 July 2009)

Feasibility On Potential Stadium

Our government, in partnership with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the City of Regina and the federal government, is undertaking a $1 million feasibility study to look into an all-season, multipurpose entertainment facility for downtown Regina. The provincial and federal governments will contribute 40% of the funding. The City of Regina and the Roughriders will each provide 10%. The study follows the government’s release of a summary report of the stadium concept review, which examined four options:

• Minor renovations to Mosaic Stadium;
• Major redevelopment of Mosaic Stadium;
• Open air stadium; and
• All-weather multi-use stadium.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by January 2010. It will explore the cost and impact of building a facility that would house events such as football games, concerts, tradeshows, conferences and festivals. As the concept review noted: “An All Weather Multi-Use Stadium provides the greatest potential benefit to the Province, City and Stadium patrons in terms of economic impact, tourism potential, stadium experience, and pride.”

MORE FUNDING FOR FOSTER FAMILIES

Your Saskatchewan Party government is providing the largest-ever grant to the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) to assist in the recruitment of foster parents. The $341,000 will bring total funding for the Association to nearly $867,000. The funding will allow the SFFA to continue 2 pilot projects to recruit foster parents, including a 1-800 number, in addition to a new position dedicated to recruiting First Nations and Métis foster families. $150,000 has also been earmarked for promotional activities to attract more families. The Saskatchewan Foster Families Association and the foster families it represents are among our government's most valued and important partners. We look forward to a continued successful partnership with the SFFA as we work towards our common goal of ensuring a better life for Saskatchewan children.

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to take action to address the $6 billion pothole left in the province’s highways and roads by the NDP. As part of the historic $224 million being invested this year in the province’s transportation infrastructure, we have announced $21.6 million for south central Saskatchewan. Construction taking place in the 2009 season includes:

• Highway 1 - three bridge replacements will take place at Chaplin on the westbound lanes of Highway 1. This work will begin in July and be completed by fall 2009.
• Highway 2 - repair work is underway on the Highway 2 overpass (over Highway 1) in Moose Jaw. This work was necessary due to damage from an over-height truck, and is valued at $300,000.
• Highway 13 - a 60 kilometre section of Highway 13 from Assiniboia to Meyronne will be resurfaced with asphalt concrete, beginning in late July. A portion of this work will likely be carried over to the 2010 construction season.
• Major maintenance - asphalt seal coat will be applied to 180 km of highways in south central Saskatchewan including Highways 2, 13, 18, 19, 42, 43 and 363.

By improving the transportation network in across the province, our government is making an investment which will keep Saskatchewan strong and steady both now and into the future.

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