August 6, 2014
Province Announces Upgrades to More Winnipeg Community Facilities
– – –Bigger, Better Washrooms Coming to St. Norbert Farmers' Market: Minister Chief
The Manitoba government is investing more to improve public and not-for-profit community facilities including rehabilitating, upgrading and expanding many of Winnipeg’s popular recreation options and creating more green spaces for local families, Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg, announced today.
“Community centres, parks and recreation facilities provide access for families to take part in activities and a variety of social functions that form strong bonds in communities,” said Minister Chief. “By providing these organizations with funding for necessary building maintenance and renovations, we’re extending the use of these facilities so they can serve their communities for many years to come.”
As part of the more than $600,000 announcement made today, the province is supporting Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market to upgrade and expand its washroom facilities. The washroom design will utilize three reclaimed 40-foot shipping containers as the main construction component for men’s, women’s and accessible/family washroom facility. This innovative, environmentally friendly project will support annual attendance of more than 150,000 visitors to the Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers’ Market, the minister said.
“We’re thrilled to receive this substantial funding from the Province of Manitoba that allows us to continue our market upgrade project. Improving farmers’ markets in Manitoba supports our local producers and our local economy,” said Ken Kornelson, president, Le Marché St. Norbert Farmers' Market.
Other organizations in southwest Winnipeg that are receiving funding include the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Garry #90, École Riverview Parent Advisory Council, St. Avila Home and School Association, St. Norbert Biz, St. Norbert Arts Centre, Osborne Village Biz, Chabad-Lubavitch Jewish Learning Centre, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Hellenic Greek Orthodox Church of Winnipeg, Italian Canadian Centre of Manitoba Inc. and Harrow United Church.
The second application intake for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program began on April 14, making grants available for projects that will provide long-term recreational and wellness benefits to communities, Minister Chief said. Projects involve rehabilitation, improvement or expansion of existing community assets such as athletic facilities, community centres, parks and cultural facilities. The second application intake has closed and more projects will be announced shortly, the minister added.
The minister noted, since the $7.5‑million, three-year program launched last year, the province has committed nearly $6.5 million toward more than 140 projects to upgrade community centres, parks, trails, bike paths, arenas and gyms in Winnipeg.
For more information about the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program (WCIP), go to www.gov.mb.ca/ia/wcip/index.html.
- 30 -