Western Economic Diversification in Saskatchewan — Making a Difference

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Springboard West Innovations Inc.

$2.2 million
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

In April of 2007, WD invested $2.2 million to Springboard West Innovations, a technology innovation centre at the University of Regina, which helps turn innovative ideas into a commercial reality.

One of Springboard’s first clients was the Regina Pipe Crawler. This robotic device, designed by two University of Regina professors, uses sensors to inspect water pipes. The device:

• functions as an early warning system that predicts maintenance needs of water mains.
• will help communities to better plan their infrastructure maintenance cycles and save money by helping prevent costly water main leaks.

Northern Broadband Network

$1.6 million
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Implementation of the Northern Broadband Network was an important step in providing improved communications access to northern Saskatchewan communities. The project brings broadband connectivity and high-speed Internet services to 37 northern Saskatchewan communities.

• The Northern Broadband Network enables residents in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities to access training and business development services.
• Broadband service delivery is key to attracting new businesses to northern communities and helps existing enterprises grow.
• The success of this project enables the continued expansion of the service in Northern Saskatchewan communities.

Prairieland Park Trade Centre Expansion

$4 million
Community Economic Development

The 50,000 square foot expansion of the Trade Centre at Prairieland Park enables Saskatoon to cater to a diverse clientele including major trade shows, cultural events, fundraisers and other community events.

• As a result of this project, residents and visitors have greater access to hospitality services
• The facility also enables Saskatoon to attract national and international conventions and tradeshows.
• Prairieland Park attracts 1.6 million people per year to various programs, conventions, and events creating an estimated $100 million economic impact for the local economy.

University of Saskatchewan Toxicology Centre

$649,623
Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The Toxicology Centre at the University of Saskatchewan recently expanded and enhanced its capacity for research and technology commercialization through the purchase of specialized lab equipment.

The new equipment will increase the research capacity of the lab and support research into water quality, environmental pollution, oilsands development and uranium. Once completed, the expansion project will make the Toxicology Centre the largest university-based toxicology research centre in Canada.