News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

May 8, 2020

Province Announces Funding for Projects to Preserve Military Memorials



The Manitoba government is providing more than $50,000 in grants for 11 new projects that will extend the life of military memorials across the province through the Military Memorial Conservation Grant, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today.

“Military memorials are places of reflection and commemoration that give us an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of those who came before us,” said Cox. “These projects will help to ensure aging memorials throughout Manitoba are preserved for future generations.”

The province established the Military Memorials Conservation Fund last year with an initial investment of $2 million to provide annual grants toward war memorial conservation projects including statues, plaques and other tributes throughout Manitoba. The fund is managed by The Winnipeg Foundation.

The grant is intended to assist primarily with conservation work on existing military memorials in Manitoba, with the goal of extending the physical life and commemorative function of the memorials.

The minister noted priority this year was given to projects related to the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

“As time marches on, it’s still so important to remember and honour the sacrifices made for us in the Second World War,” Cox said. “That’s why the Manitoba government is committed to preserving these important memorials, which provide opportunities to reflect and give thanks.”

Private donations from organizations, communities and veterans’ groups help to ensure Manitoba’s military memorials are properly preserved for future generations. The fund is expected to generate $100,000 annually, the minister noted.

It is estimated there are more than 200 military memorials of varying types across the province, ranging from 20 to 100 years old, and many of the memorials require repair and maintenance.

More information about the fund and how to apply for a grant is available at:
www.gov.mb.ca/chc/grants/heritage_mmcf.html.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2020/05/BG-Military_Memorials_Grants-SCH.pdf