The home of one of Saskatchewan's most celebrated palaeontological finds is receiving more funding for its remaining construction work.

Public Works and Government Services Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) today announced an additional $364,000 in funding through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) for work at the T.rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, Saskatchewan's premier attraction for dinosaur hunters.

"This first class facility is an excellent showcase for Saskatchewan's rich yet often overlooked natural history," said Minister Goodale. "The Government of Canada is building on its past support as a partner in an initiative that will expose our visitors to a few of the wonders Saskatchewan has to offer, while at the same time generating employment and other benefits for the region."

The funding will be used to complete the Canada Discovery Theatre, foyer, landscaping and other capital construction costs at the $3.4 million Discovery Centre. The centre received a $600,000 capital contribution through WEPA in August 2000.

"The T.rex Discovery Centre and the community are thrilled to have the participation of the federal government through the Western Economic Partnership Agreement in the centre," said Larry Stork, Chairperson of the T.rex Discovery Centre. "The commitment to help complete the theatre and lobby goes a long way in enhancing our visitors experience."

The Discovery Centre is the home of "Scotty" the tyrannosaurus rex, the first T.rex skeleton found in Saskatchewan and only the third near-complete skeleton to be found in Canada. Officially opened in May 2000, the center houses a variety of interpretive exhibits, an extensive fossil record of the Eastend area, and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum's Fossil Research Station.

The exhibit area features a hands-on demonstration lab where visitors can get a taste of prepping fossils and casting bones. Final installation of the audio-visual system and special lighting for the 98-seat theatre is expected to be complete by the end of August. There is also a gift shop, an educational activity area and staff offices. The staff at the T.rex Discovery Centre deliver educational and interpretive programs on fossil deposits found in the Eastend region.

Local non-profit organizations, Eastend Community Tourism Authority and the Friends of the Eastend Museum, also raised funds for the construction of the center, which is located on the north slope of the Frenchman River Valley overlooking the town. A combination of private and public businesses and organizations provided the remainder of the funding.

The Canada-Saskatchewan WEPA, administered by Western Economic Diversification Canada and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, was established in 1998 to direct $40 million over five years toward initiatives that support new economic infrastructure, tourism products, export and marketing initiatives and new economic opportunities, including rural and northern economic development. Since WEPA was created, more than $36 million has been announced for 31 projects in Saskatchewan.

Federal funding for this infrastructure project was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

Bruce Lewis
Executive Director
Eastend Tourism Authority Inc.
Eastend, Saskatchewan
(306) 295-4144