Prince Albert and USask sign MOU

The first memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City of Prince Albert and the University of Saskatchewan (USask) was signed today. The agreement commits to bringing university expertise and community priorities together to support residents across Prince Albert.

The agreement outlines a shared commitment to improving community and residential development, transportation, health and wellness, and recreation.

“This agreement is an important driver for The City’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan,” said Mayor Powalinsky, “by helping us to build a robust economy, promote a progressive community, and deliver professional and high-quality public services through innovative solutions and action-based research. These partnerships are what contribute to Prince Albert being a city of opportunity and belonging; a place we are proud to call home.”

The university has had a presence in Prince Albert for more than 40 years, and while there have been many grassroots partnerships between the university and the community, USask President Vince Bruni-Bossio said the MOU ensures a path forward for continued collaboration.

“This agreement formalizes a shared commitment to co‑creating a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous community in Prince Albert,” said Bruni-Bossio. “Our success as a university is and has always been derived from our connection with our local context here in Saskatchewan. We are committed to working with the people of Saskatchewan to build a better future.”

The Principal of the USask Prince Albert Campus, Jay Wilson, said the agreement formalizes a shared commitment that had already been taking shape through ongoing work together.

“Collaborative projects like the Substance Use Disorder Toolkit, the new parking app, and the Mobile Complex Needs Initiative Review serve as concrete examples of how USask innovation and teamwork with community members enhances quality of life in Prince Albert,” said Wilson. “This MOU provides a formal path forward, supported by a research funding structure that connects the City of Prince Albert with USask experts to work together to find solutions. It aligns USask research and expertise with priorities identified by the City of Prince Albert.”

A working group will meet regularly to help identify joint projects, and the MOU will be reviewed every four years.

"I believe the success of the MOU will be measured by city and university partners being comfortable reaching out to one another when an opportunity or problem pops up, and working together to find solutions,” said Wilson. “It means leveraging each other’s strengths to solve problems more effectively and efficiently, ultimately improving the quality of life for people in Prince Albert.”

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For media inquiries, contact:

Mayor Bill Powalinsky
306-953-4300

Ashley Trask
Media relations specialist
306-966-4522
ashley.trask@usask.ca