May 4, 2022
Manitoba Government's $25-Million Investment in the Building Sustainable Communities Fund Supports 427 Local Development Projects
Watch news conference
BRANDON—The Manitoba government is investing more than $25 million through the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program to support 427 local and regional projects that will enhance existing public facilities and spaces, and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans, Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced here today while touring the Westman region.
“Our government recognizes the importance of municipalities and community-based organizations in building thriving and sustainable communities across the province,” said Clarke. “Budget 2022: Recover Together is doubling the funding available to communities for projects that respond to their local and regional needs, and improve the quality of life for their citizens and promote community cohesion and well-being.”
This increased investment allowed Manitoba Municipal Relations to approve more than $25 million in funding for 427 projects throughout the province including nearly $12 million for 364 local and regional initiatives and over $13 million for 63 larger-scale capital projects. The 2022-23 BSC application intake period closed Jan. 17.
The minister noted 46 projects have been approved for the Westman region for a total of over $2.2 million. Some of those projects include:
- $300,000 to build additional facility space at YMCA Brandon including programming space and outdoor playground;
- $300,000 to build a new outdoor aquatic centre in Boissevain;
- $75,000 to build a play structure and outdoor sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball in Brandon;
- $75,000 to renovate community hall including kitchen upgrades in Souris;
- $10,000 to upgrade the Virden Curling Club including installing a wheelchair ramp; and
- $19,750 to develop community green space including a picnic shelter, picnic tables, firepit and benches in Edrans.
“With the generous support of the province, the YMCA will be able to expand programming space to support more youth, seniors and families in Brandon well into the future,” said Lon Cullen, CEO, YMCA Brandon. “The new space will allow more children to attend summer day camp, seniors to pursue physical health, mental well-being and social connection, and families being able to gather in a safe, affordable venue.”
The BSC program was launched in 2019 to offer municipalities and non-profit organizations a streamlined process to apply for community grants for planning activities, organizational capacity building projects, equipment costs, capital infrastructure and other local or regional initiatives that enhance the sustainability of their community.
Projects can receive up to 50 per cent toward eligible costs, with a maximum grant of $75,000. The BSC program was expanded in 2021-22 to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for larger-scale capital projects, with a maximum grant of $300,000. Approved projects, except for planning activities, are required to contribute a minimum of 10 per cent from non-government sources.
The minister noted these community projects would not be possible without the strong leadership of the municipalities and non-profit organizations, leveraged funding from other public, private and philanthropic sources, and the dedication of local volunteers.
The full list of 427 approved projects will be posted later this week at:www.gov.mb.ca/mr/bldgcomm/index.html.
For more information on the BSC program, visit https://gov.mb.ca/grants/grant-name.html#b.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Building Sustainable Communities Fund Project Recipients - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/BG-BSC_funding-PR.pdf