It’s a “Team Saskatchewan” approach to bring the Canada Water Agency to Regina.
Economic Development Regina (EDR), along with other groups and organizations in the province, formally announced their efforts to establish the agency in the provincial capital on Monday. Supporting the bid launched by EDR and the city are the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
John Lee, president and CEO of EDR, said this has become a priority for them.
“It’s a move that could lead to significant opportunities for Saskatchewan’s economic future,” stated Lee on Monday. “No resource is more important to Canadians than fresh, clean water to our economy, health and wellbeing.
While the federal government has yet to announce a start date, it’s expected that the Canadian Water Agency’s move to the Queen City would provide as many as 100 full-time jobs for Regina residents.
Lee mentioned they are aware of other cities that have expressed interest in bringing the agency to their respective municipalities, but he’s confident in Regina’s bid.
“We’re going to be proactive and put forward our proposal as soon as possible,” he said. “Based on the presentations and positioning, we think that Regina is very well suited for the Canada Water Agency to be in our city.”
Mayor Sandra Masters noted that Regina was named as the location for the agency in original announcements for the purpose of building upon the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration’s legacy.
She believes this is the city’s way to continue in being a leader in water stewardship.
“The province is supportive of our collaborative effort. That’s fundamentally the scope and mandate of the Canada Water Agency, which is to be a place to coordinate and collaborate,” explained Masters. “I think our efforts clearly show that we are prepared and completely confident to do that.”
Masters added that all options are on the table for a CWA location in the city, whether it would be an available existing space or the creation of a new facility in Regina.
