Archived News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

August 27, 2013

Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan Invests in Recreation Projects in Northwest Winnipeg

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Province Providing over $620,000 for Local Projects: Premier

The provincial government is investing in northwest Winnipeg infrastructure that will renew and revitalize many popular recreation facilities and create green spaces for local families, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

“Our provincial contributions are focused on the 19 projects in this part of Winnipeg that communities have identified as important to the businesses and families who live and work here,” said Selinger.  “Building maintenance is expensive and, by helping fund renovations to public buildings and recreational facilities, we extend the use of gymnasiums and community centres, and allow their boards to commit their budgets to programs that benefit children, youth and families.”

The province is providing the École Stanley Knowles School parent council with funding for a new, state-of-the-art outdoor basketball court.  The project will include replacement of the existing cement and old poles with a new basketball court including fencing, bleachers and lighting available for students, as well as the community.

Other organizations in northwest Winnipeg receiving funding include:

  • Gwen Secter Creative Community Centre – rehabilitating the community centre;
  • Maples Recreation Association – improving the field and gym;
  • Central Winnipeg Community Impact – renovating bathrooms;
  • Garden City Community Centre – upgrading bathrooms, boardroom and replacing windows;
  • Artbeat Studio – renovating to provide a barrier-free entrance;
  • Luxton Community Centre – replacing siding with stucco finish;
  • Ka Ni Kanichihk – repairing of foundation;
  • Aleph-Bet Child Life Enrichment Program – renovating bathrooms;
  • Manitoba Children’s Museum – replacing heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units;
  • The Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian Association of Winnipeg – renovating space for Youth Zone;
  • Knox United Church – updating community kitchen and bathrooms;
  • Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association – upgrading existing Game On Selkirk street rink;
  • Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba – constructing a roof-top garden;
  • Amber Trails Residents Group – retrofitting designated area for park;
  • Shaughnessy Park School Gathering Place Parent Advisory – creating a teaching garden and pathways;
  • Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre – constructing a welcome area and teen lounge;
  • Ralph Brown Community Centre – improving security; and
  • Northwood Community Centre – replacing lighting, flooring and wall coverings.

Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan committed $7.5 million over the next three years for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program.  This new initiative is providing grants forprojects that will provide long-term recreational and wellness benefits to communities.

“Community centres, parks and gyms provide sites for healthy recreational activities for people of all ages and a variety of social functions that hold communities together ensuring people have a place to meet, play and stay in shape,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.  “This funding will help keep these buildings and sports facilities in good shape so they can serve their communities for many years to come.”                                                                                       

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.

For more information about the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program (WCIP), go to www.gov.mb.ca/ia/wcip/index.html.                                                                                                                                                                                

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