Released on May 31, 1996
Deputy Premier and Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfeltersaid today the opening of Moose Jaw's Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort
demonstrates the effectiveness of the province's Partnership for Growth
strategy.
"Temple Gardens is an excellent example of the strength of
partnership," Lingenfelter said. "This project involves the community,
City of Moose Jaw, private investors and the provincial and federal
governments working together in an important venture that has the
potential to revitalize Moose Jaw and make a significant impact on the
province's tourism industry."
The $9-million spa and hotel features a year-round indoor and outdoor
mineral pool and health centre, 69 guest rooms and banquet facilities.
It is located in Moose Jaw's historic downtown core.
"Private investors have contributed more than $3 million to this
project and in the process have created jobs for their city,
contributed to the revitalization of Moose Jaw's economy, and supported
the growth of Saskatchewan's tourism industry," Lingenfelter said.
Construction of the spa and hotel created 80 person-years of
construction activity, and 80 full-time and 20 part-time permanent jobs
at the complex. Temple Gardens expects more than 60,000 visitors a
year to the facility.
Lingenfelter said Temple Gardens is an example of how the province is
working with other governments and private agencies to create
employment opportunities. The spa has developed an extremely
progressive training program for 64 people previously unemployed or
underemployed. Funding came from the province's Job Start/Future
Skills Program with support from SIAST, New Careers, Human Resources
Canada, Saskatchewan Education Council and the Workers Compensation
Board.
The total value of the project is $9 million. Private investors
contributed $3.1 million in equity and loans. The government of
Saskatchewan invested just over $1 million through an equity investment
by Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation ($700,000), Saskatchewan
Economic Development's tourism and product development grants
($120,000), and a utility agreement with Sask Water ($125,000). The
province also supported the investment through the federal/provincial
Partnership Agreement on Water-based Economic Development ($139,000)
and a Partnership Agreement on Rural Development grant ($20,000).
Additional financing comes from loans from Western Economic
Diversification, the City of Moose Jaw and the Royal Bank.
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For more information contact:
Jan Carter
Corporate Affairs
Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8576