August 27, 2014
Province Announces Upgrades to More Winnipeg Community Facilities
– – –Investments in Recreation Providing Better Opportunities for Families: Minister Braun
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, Labour and Immigration Minister Erna Braun, announced today, on behalf of Children and Youth Opportunities Minister Kevin Chief, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg.
“These investments are making a real difference in the lives of people living in northeast Winnipeg by providing better opportunities for families to engage in recreational activities,” said Minister Braun. “By providing communities with new and upgraded recreational facilities, we are giving residents places to enjoy with their families for years to come.”
As part of the $280,000 announced today, the East Side Eagles Football Club was approved for $100,000 toward public washroom and dressing room renovations.
The upgraded facility will accommodate up to 1,000 fans and players, and will also be available during school activities such as field-day events and various team practices. The dressing room will also include additional space for storage, a taping area and showers.
“This project is crucial to support the growth of our football club and to increase the use of the facility,” said Ian Brown, president, East Side Eagles Football Club. “While the East Side Eagles and the Kildonan East Reivers call this field home, it is also used by many other teams in the community who will experience the benefits.”
Other organizations in northeast Winnipeg to receive funding include the Bronx Park Community Centre, South Transcona Community Centre, Transcona Memorial United Church, Westview School Parent Council, Millenium Gardens, the École Lacerte Advisory Council and the Spring Meadows School Age Centre.
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 Braun 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.
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