Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced Government of Canada support to help strengthen economic opportunities and boost tourism in the County of Grande Prairie.

“Our Government’s investment to enhance the appeal and accessibility of the Pipestone Creek dinosaur bone bed will create immediate employment opportunities and help generate ongoing economic benefits by attracting visitors to this important site,” said MP Warkentin.

Funding is enabling the County of Grande Prairie to move forward with the first phase development of the River of Death and Dinosaur Discovery Centre initiative. This phase involves constructing an access road, including two new bridges, to connect Pipestone Creek Park with the site of a paleontological bone bed. A 2,000 square foot coverall shelter will also be erected over the bone bed to allow for excavations and interpretive activities at the site.

The project supports efforts to establish the Pipestone Creek bone bed as a major tourist destination while positioning the Grande Prairie region as an international hub for palaeontology.

"I would like to first and foremost express my thanks to Peace River MP Chris Warkentin who tirelessly fought for the appropriation of funds for this project,” stated County of Grande Prairie Reeve Everett McDonald.  "This funding is a vital vote of confidence from the federal government and is a huge boost to move this project forward. The dinosaur centre will provide not only economic benefits to the region, but educational, cultural and historical opportunities as well.”

Federal funding of $540,000 is being provided through the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. In addition the County of Grande Prairie is investing $127,500 towards the project.

The fund will provide $306 million over two years to support the most affected western Canadian communities, such as those that are heavily reliant on resource-based industries. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering the fund in the four western provinces.

Visit the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) in the West or Canada’s Economic Action Plan for more information.

For more information, contact:

Donna Kinley
Regional Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
Tel: (780) 495-6892
Cell: (780) 991-7432

Lesley Nielsen-Bjerke               
Communications Coordinator
County of Grande Prairie No. 1
Office: 780-532-9722 ext. 240
Cell: 780-814-5090
http://www.countygp.ab.ca/