July 6, 2010
Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg Announce New $10-million Building Communities Initiatives Partnership
– – –Revitalized Recreational Centres Will Offer Healthy Alternatives for Youth, Strenghten Neighbourhoods and Help Reduce Crime
Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Sam Katz today announced the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are each contributing $5 million to a new Building Communities Initiative (BCI). BCI will fund local infrastructure and housing exterior improvements that will benefit older neighbourhoods, and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.
“Stabilizing mature, older neighbourhoods by replacing or rejuvenating neighbourhood infrastructure, including many recreation centres and home exteriors, creates a healthier, more vibrant community for the families who live there,” said Selinger. “Revitalized communities also attract commercial ventures, creating jobs and offering healthy environments for all children and positive alternatives for at-risk youth. It’s the ultimate winning strategy.”
Combining matching funds from the province and city, BCI focuses on upgrading community facilities, parks and municipal infrastructure in ways that contribute to public safety and strengthen residential and commercial targeted areas. Its goals include increasing community confidence and encouraging residents and business owners to remain and invest in their own communities.
“Experience has shown that community revitalization and investment in projects that directly affect the immediate needs of families, their homes and neighbourhoods generates a pride in ownership of the community,” said Katz. “As the physical challenges are overcome with projects like safe play areas for children, improved recreational centres that provide meeting places and healthy opportunities for sporting activities for all ages, we encourage and support the positive social interactions that strengthens communities for years to come.”
The BCI has already approved 20 neighbourhood infrastructure projects that will be launched in the 2010/11 fiscal year. Several other projects are still in the planning stage. The BCI funding of $10 million will be shared by projects located in all 15 city wards.
Projects are being selected through consultations with key stakeholders and communities. They include improving the condition of playgrounds, athletic fields, and wading pools; improvements to play structures, lighting, benches and pathways in parks; and enhancements to community centres and other community facilities.
Program implementation updates will be posted on the City of Winnipeg’s website. Links to this site will also appear on the provincial Local Government webpage.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
backgrounder
Funded Projects - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/7/BCIBG.PR.doc