June 03, 2005
Shoal Lake, Manitoba – Shoal Lake will
receive natural gas service thanks to a $1.6-million investment
under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The governments of Canada,
Manitoba and the Town/Rural Municipality of Shoal Lake will each contribute one
third of the project costs.
The announcement was made today by Premier Gary Doer and Reg
Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the
Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic
Diversification and Minister of State (Sport).
“Natural
gas service will help Shoal Lake to continue to grow and prosper, and help users
access an efficient clean heating alternative,” said Premier Doer. “When governments work together to fund a
major project like this, the result is a win for the community.”
“This
improvement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to the
development of the rural and farm economy,” said Minister Alcock. “The provision of natural gas service will have long-term
economic benefits for the people of Shoal Lake and beyond.”
Shoal Lake’s location along the TransCanada Yellowhead
Highway #16 has established the community as an agri-business hub providing
services to the surrounding area, including a grain terminal, implement dealers
and suppliers of fertilizer, livestock feed
and bulk fuel.
By adding natural gas, Shoal Lake will complete its
already well-developed infrastructure base, which includes transportation
access by road, rail and air, as well as hydropower for industrial
customers.
The project will be administered by the Shoal Lake
Regional Community Development Corporation.
“Today’s announcement is the culmination of several
years of planning, hard work and cooperation by many people in the community of
Shoal Lake,” said Mike Blahy, Mayor of the Town of Shoal Lake and President of
the Shoal Lake Regional Community Development Corporation. “The addition of this important
infrastructure will support Shoal Lake in implementing its strategic plan to
retain the existing agri-business base and community services, and pursue
opportunities for further industrial development.”
Under the Canada-Manitoba
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the governments of Canada and Manitoba
are working together and in partnership with community stakeholders on two
strategic priorities – Building our Economy and Sustainable Communities –
to enhance the skills of Manitoba workers and promote economic growth and
diversification in Manitoba. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit:
http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.
Federal funding for this initiative is included in the
fiscal framework.
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