City of Prince Albert and USask sign memorandum of understanding

USask and Prince Albert have formalized a partnership for research in development, health, transport and recreation. Jasmine Pelletier reports.

The working relationship between the University of Saskatchewan and the City of Prince Albert has entered a new phase.

USask and the city signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Tuesday that the city hopes will help develop research based solutions to issues Prince Albert is currently facing.

“This really, really not only expands from the centre here, but it puts all the resources of University of Saskatchewan behind us,” said Mayor Bill Powalinsky.

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This builds on an existing relationship between the city and the university.

“University conducted a very, very insightful piece of research on homelessness,” Powalinsky said. “They’ve also provided research on other significant issues, you know, whether related to addictions, mental health.”

The MOU formalizes a structure for the city to work with USask researchers to improve development, transportation, health and wellness, and recreation.

The principal of the USask Prince Albert campus, Jay Wilson, said that the university is working with the city to research social supports.

“For example, the mobile complex needs initiative,” Wilson explained. “The city is doing that, but we’re not sure how effective that is. So, we’ve engaged in an evaluation program of that activity. We’re going to talk to people who are being served by it, as well as the people who are delivering it, to see how we can make it better.”

The principal says this will open new opportunities for students.

“I think what this allows us to do is expand our graduate programing,” explained Wilson. “It also allows us to enhance the undergraduate student experience, because now they are able to go out and actually do research and work with a variety of different groups here with the city of Prince Albert.”

This MOU follows a similar agreement between USask and the City of Saskatoon where different working groups focus on different issues the city is facing.

The MOU will be reviewed every four years.