Saskatchewan Party leader visits city

Saskatchewan Party leader Brad Wall visited Yorkton on Thursday to announce three new additions to his party's election platform.

At a press conference held at Potzus Construction, Wall promised another $2.2 billion in highway repair and maintenance over the next four years, a new $2,500 annual grant to community rinks, and an additional $10 million investment into Saskatchewan's provincial parks.

The announcements offered few surprises. This was intentional, indicated Wall.

"We've got a good thing going in this province. We have a good thing going in Yorkton-thanks to all of you."

The $2.2 billion in highway spending matches the money spent by Wall's government on roads over the last four years.

"As you know, there's a lot of roads that need to be fixed still in this province," the party leader said.

The promised $10 million increase in parks funding (spread over four years) would pay for improvements to service facilities, washroom facilities, and campsites, Wall explained.

The $2,500 Community Rink Affordability Grant might be used to pay utility bills or fund minor upgrades.

"It's not a huge amount, but I think it's going to help. And we have no requirements, no conditions on the money."

Community rinks of all sizes would be eligible for the grant.

Wall contrasted his party's platform with that of the NDP, whom he accused of "making it up as they go along."

"We're proud to say that [our platform] is affordable, and it is sustainable, and we're not trying to buy anyone's vote."

Wall spent the remainder of the afternoon visiting sites in Yorkton with local Saskatchewan Party candidate Greg Ottenbreit.