Urban Development Agreements

2008 - 2009 Budget – $2,081,000

The Urban Development Agreements (UDAs) are five-year agreements to cooperate and collaborate on areas of shared interest and priority that have been negotiated between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, and the cities of Regina and Saskatoon.

The key objectives of the UDAs are threefold:

1. to increase economic activity and improve the quality of life in Regina/Saskatoon;
2. to facilitate intergovernmental and interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration; and
3. to establish the initial priorities for collective action.

The $2,081,000 in provincial funding to be provided in 2008-2009 represents the third year of a five year commitment that will see the province contribute a total of $5 million over five years - $2.5 million to each city, to be used for project initiatives identified by the three levels of government as priorities in each respective city.

The UDAs are to be cost shared on a 50/25/25 federal/provincial/city basis.  As a result, the provincial $5 million funding contribution, together with each city’s contribution of $2.5 million and the federal government’s commitment of up to $5 million for each UDA, will provide a total of $20 million over five years to be directed to urban development priorities in the two cities.

The initial priority areas that have been identified and agreed upon by the three levels of government and that will be the focus of the two UDAs are as follows:

1. affordable housing and the renewal of inner city and older neighbourhoods;
2. the development of cultural and recreational opportunities;
3. initiatives to protect the environment and address climate change;
4. achieving a positive business climate and enhanced competitiveness;
5. enhanced Aboriginal participation in the economy; and
6. strategic infrastructure needed to achieve continued physical, social and economic development and address the other priority areas.

For further information contact:

Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Grants Administration & Financial Management
410 – 1855 Victoria Avenue
REGINA  SK  S4P 3T2

Contact:  Brian Mack, Senior Analyst
Phone:  (306) 787-4607
Fax:  (306) 787-3641
E-mail:  brian.mack@gov.sk.ca