August 14, 2013
St. Vital Memorial Park Soccer Field to Benefit from New Funding: Premier
– – –Province Gearing up for 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
St. Vital Memorial Park will have an improved soccer field that will also be used for practices at the 2015Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup, thanks to the new Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“Winnipeg’s enthusiasm and strong support of sports events is the reason this city is often chosen to host spectacular attractions like the Women’s World Cup soccer event in 2015,” said Selinger. “The improvements being made to the St. Vital Memorial Park soccer facilities will create a world-class soccer field that will benefit Manitoba’s reputation for excellent sports sites and local athletes for years to come. It will also help attract other sport events that will enhance our tourism industry.”
The province is providing the Winnipeg Soccer Federation with $900,000 to convert the field from natural to synthetic grass. This project will improve the field’s drainage while also extending the length of the soccer season, which will benefit many Winnipeg players in the years to come.
Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan has committed $7.5 million over the next three years for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program, which provides grants forprojects that will provide long-term recreational and wellness benefits to communities.
“Improving recreational facilitiesaround the city clearly demonstrates the importance our province places on encouraging children and families to have fun enjoying healthy outdoor activities and competitive sports,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “As we work with communities to invest in excellent sporting sites, we benefit our communities and our economy, and contribute to the health and quality of life of our citizens.”
“Families all across Winnipeg will soon see improvements to their local recreational facilities through this three-year program specifically designed to renew and improve existing infrastructure,” said Selinger.
The first application intake for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program began on May 22 making grants available for projects such as libraries, swimming pools and splash pads, parks, trails, community centres, sports facilities including arenas and gymnasiums, as well as other community infrastructure facilities. The first application intake has closed and details on the next intake will be announced on the program’s website.
More information about the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program is available at www.gov.mb.ca/ia/.
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