MP Randy Hoback announces federal funding for Kinsmen Park and Sask Polytech

“Here is also a very practical usage, the health and welfare of our kids to give them a safe place to play, the green space that people take advantage of; those are things that the citizens of Prince Albert thoroughly enjoy.

“To provide some federal funding to make sure that it’s improved and beautified is something they will come to appreciate.

According to Hoback, the funding is allocated to Kinsmen Park, the target being upgrading the pathways, although he said it can go to whatever needs upgrading.

“If you look at the park some stuff is getting dated and aged and it just needs to be renewed. The city will now have the opportunity to take advantage of this money and do just that. So we’re excited to be a part of that.”

Jody Boulet, director of community services, said since they put their new management together, Kinsmen Park restorations have been a priority. At the same time, one of the barriers to the upgrades was the significant cost.

“Getting the support from the federal government is going to move that ahead. We’re pleased to start showing some progress in the 2016 season,” said Boulet.

Boulet said upgrading the trails that go through the park, with the funding of the Canada 151 Program is something they’re looking forward to starting.

“It really connects all the activities in the park and the current state of them is less than ideal,” said Boulet. He said they won’t only be restoring the trails but they’ll also be widening them, making them more accessible.

“We’ll also be widening them in some areas as well that will allow some vehicle access so when you’re setting up and doing some things related to events, in which it’s used quite often for, it’ll prevent damage to the landscaped areas,” said Boulet.

According to Boulet, planning will be underway immediately. Next year, they’ll begin implementing changes with July 1, 2017 as the official deadline, just in time for the 150th Canada Day celebrations, which will be held at the park.

Federal funding for Sask Polytech students

Hoback’s second announcement on Friday comes as good news to Saskatchewan Polytechnic students taking Natural Resource Technology.

The federal government funding, reaching almost $350,000, means new state of the art equipment for the program.

This includes hydroacoustics equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles for surveying and mapping.

Leila Benmerrouche, a recent graduate of the Integrated Resource Management Program, said she’s returning to take the GIS program, just to use the new equipment.

“Oh my gosh, words can’t describe it. What student gets an opportunity like this? If you go to university and stuff like that, it’s all well and good, but I get to come here and actually touch the equipment, goof around with it, see it for its first time out,” said Benmerrouche. “It’s nice, it’s really nice. It means a lot.”

Staff from Sask Polytech, students, industry leaders and other government officials all attended the announcements.

The recent funding announcement blitz comes as no surprise. Rumours of an upcoming federal election campaign are currently swirling. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to announce it this Sunday.

Once the writ is dropped, Hoback will no longer be able to make government funding announcements.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

MP Randy Hoback announces federal funding for Kinsmen Park and Sask Polytech

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