May 11, 2015
Manitoba Government to Improve Recreation Facilities in Winnipeg
– – –Province Stand with Families who want Better Facilities that Inspire Healthy Living: Minister Caldwell
The Manitoba government is continuing to improve the quality of life for Winnipeg families by investing in recreation and wellness centres, Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell, minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg, announced today at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre.
“These are the types of projects thathave an immediate, positive impact on local neighbourhoods,” said Minister Caldwell. “We believe that upgrading recreation facilities helps strengthen communities while encouraging children and families to engage in healthy activities.”
Neighbourhoods across Winnipeg will be able to upgrade their public and not-for-profit community facilities through the $7.5-million, three-year Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program (WCIP).
The program will begin accepting applications today for projects that will provide long-term recreational and wellness benefits to communities, Minister Caldwell said. The program provides grants to support not‑for‑profit or city-owned community recreation facilities within Winnipeg. Eligible projects involve rehabilitation, improvement or expansion of existing athletic facilities, community centres, parks and cultural facilities.
The Broadway Neighbourhood Centre received $20,000 through WCIP to upgrade its kitchen facilities. The newly upgraded kitchen has allowed the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre to run a number of food programs that assist disadvantaged youth to gain important life skills, the minister noted. He added that includes the Fuel4School Lunch Program, as well as the Kids Cooking program, which helps children learn about good nutrition and the importance of eating healthy and balanced meals to develop lifelong healthy eating patterns.
Minister Caldwell said since the program launched in 2013, the province has committed more than $6.4 million towards 148 projects that have helped upgrade community centres, parks, trails, bike paths, arenas and gyms in Winnipeg. Non-profit community organizations and city-owned facilities can apply until June 5.
More information and grant applications are available at the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program website at www.gov.mb.ca/ia/wcip/index.html.
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