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BRANDON—Manitoba children and families will have more opportunities to get active as a result of a $9‑million investment to enhance and upgrade recreation facilities, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton announced today.

 

The investment, an extension of the Rural/Northern Municipal Recreation Fund, is a part of the Manitoba government’s commitment to doubling funding to over $60 million over four years to improve recreation centres, community clubs and soccer fields.

 

“Sports bring families and friends together and are an important to improving our overall quality of life,” Ashton said, at the Municipal Officials Seminar here today.  “This program has been well received and our investment responds to requests from municipalities for increased support for recreation facilities.”

 

The 2006 provincial budget established a new Municipal Recreation Fund as part of the Building Manitoba Fund, with $7.4 million in provincial funding committed over three years for recreation and library facility projects in rural and northern Manitoba.  Through the Building Manitoba Fund, municipalities receive a share of provincial income and fuel taxes – revenues that grow with the economy – to support their infrastructure and service-delivery needs.

 

This second phase of the Municipal Recreation Fund will maintain the current efficient program delivery mechanisms using existing Community Places and Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure application processes, said Ashton.  Eligible projects include construction or improvements to recreation and wellness facilities such as recreation centres, community halls, parks, libraries, arenas and pools. 

 

“This investment also reinforces our commitment to supporting recreation in rural and northern Manitoba,” said Ashton, adding the funding will be available to enhance recreation opportunities for youth in seven Neighbourhoods Alive! communities outside Winnipeg.

 

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