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Manitoba Governmnet Invests $667,000 to Build, Upgrade Recreational Facilities in Northern, Remote Communities

OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION (OCN)—Northern and remote communities across northern Manitoba can start building new recreational and community facilities or upgrading existing facilities with financial help from the provincial government’s Community Places Program – North (CPPN), Premier Greg Selinger announced here today.

“Our government believes that families living in northern and remote communities should have access to the same kinds of recreation opportunities as those in the south,” said Selinger.  “By funding projects like the arena upgrades here in OCN and a new skateboard park in Berens River, we are supporting community-led projects that will benefit northern families and particularly youth.”

Projects receiving funding under the first intake of CPPN include:

• $33,000 for renovations to the Gordon Lathlin Memorial Centre Arena in Opaskwayak Cree Nation;
• $20,856 for renovations to the Big Eddy Youth Centre in Opaskwayak Cree Nation;
• $75,000 toward a new skate park in Berens River;
• $60,800 toward a new outdoor hockey rink in Gods River; and
• $50,000 for the renovation of the Wasagamack arena.

“Healthy, active families help build stronger communities,” said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson.  “These projects will help improve the quality of life in remote and northern communities by providing families with great places to gather, learn and play.”

Under the CPPN, organizations in northern and remote communities can apply for 100 per cent of their project costs up to a maximum of $75,000.  Seventeen grants have been approved throughout the north for a total of $667,000 in funding.

Eligible projects include those that provide sustainable recreation and wellness benefits to communities.  Eligible applicants include northern and remote communities north of the 53rd parallel or those accessible only by vehicle via the winter ice road system, excluding The Pas, Flin Flon and Thompson.

The CPPN program was created in recognition of the unique challenges faced by northern and remote communities when building recreation infrastructure including a short winter road season to transport building materials and limited ability to raise matching funds.  These projects mark the first intake of the new CPPN program, which was designed to complement the existing Community Places Program (CPP).  Larger centres such as The Pas, Flin Flon and Thompson remain eligible for the CPP. 

Applications for the next CPPN intake will be available in June with a deadline of Sept. 15.  Applications are available through Manitoba Children and Youth Opportunities Regional Services offices, the Community Places Program office in Winnipeg or online at www.manitoba.ca/housing/cpp.

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