News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

April 23, 2019

Memorial Park and Fountain Restoration Project Announced as Part of Manitoba 150 Celebrations



The province will embark on a major restoration of the Memorial Park Fountain and rehabilitation work on Memorial Boulevard in Winnipeg as part of Manitoba 150 celebrations, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.

“2020 is a significant milestone for our province, one that deserves celebration and recognition,” said Pallister. “We have committed $45 million to infrastructure projects across the province that will leave a lasting legacy and help provide a brighter future for Manitobans to look forward to.”  

The Memorial Park upgrades, as well as other projects announced today, represent the first phase of $45 million in infrastructure investments to mark Manitoba’s sesquicentennial.

Memorial Park, adjacent to Memorial Boulevard, represents two hectares of land located in downtown Winnipeg, just north of the Legislative Building. It contains a number of monuments dedicated to honour fallen members of Canada’s armed forces including the Peacekeeper Monument, Airmen in Training, Sir William Stephenson, and Women of the British Commonwealth.

“The Manitoba150 Host Committee is delighted that the Manitoba government has dedicated $45 million in new infrastructure funding in recognition of the province’s sesquicentennial in 2020,” Stuart Murray, chair, Manitoba150 said. “As an honorary colonel for 17 Wing here in Winnipeg, the Memorial Park Fountain and Memorial Boulevard work have particular meaning to me and for Manitoba 150, with 2020 marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE-Day) and Victory in Japan (VJ-Day).”

An engineering report says all the components of the park have reached the end of their serviceable life. The fountain requires mechanical, electrical and structural upgrades, and preliminary design work is underway to make the improvements within the existing park design. Work will include upgrading the lighting, seating and signage around the fountain.

Budget 2019 included $45 million for capital projects in recognition of Manitoba’s 150th anniversary including funding for additional highway infrastructure projects. Projects considered for this additional infrastructure funding are priority infrastructure projects that:
•    support trade and commerce,
•    increase and support Manitoba tourism,
•    improve safety and level of service,
•    improve drainage, and
•    improved ride quality on roads.

These projects are expected to be completed in time to celebrate Manitoba’s sesquicentennial.

All projects under this funding will be done through an open and competitive tendering process. Tendering information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/contracts/index.html.

Manitoba will celebrate its 150th anniversary, or sesquicentennial, in 2020. For more information on Manitoba150, United in Celebration programming and events, visit www.manitoba150.com  or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Manitoba150, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Manitoba150 and Instagram (@manitoba150).

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BACKGROUND AND PROJECT LIST ATTACHED

 

The Province of Manitoba is distributing this news release on behalf of the government of Manitoba and the Manitoba150 Host Committee Inc.




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2019/04/BG-MB150_Infrastructure-IN.pdf