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Friday, April 08, 2011

Dollars poured into Construction projects in Manitoba



Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announces Community Places Grants of $4.5 million to support community construction projects. Background left to right: Terry Wolowiec, President of Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre, Sharon Blady, MLA for Kirkfield Park, Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors
April 7, 2011

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY PLACES GRANTS OF $4.5 MILLION TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS


Provincial funding of $4.5 million to improve and create safe recreational, wellness and cultural facilities will be distributed to 328 not-for-profit groups through Manitoba’s Community Places Program, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“In the 25th anniversary year of the Community Places Program, I am proud to say the province has provided more than $100 million in grants, which leveraged more than $700 million in additional infrastructure improvements during that time,” said Irvin-Ross.  “More than 6,500 community projects have been supported with these funds, providing countless Manitoba families the opportunity to participate in healthy, community-driven programs and projects.”
“Youth in our community enjoy playing basketball,” said Terry Wolowiec, president of Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre.  “Our new outdoor basketball court is going to attract neighbouring youth to come and play the sport.  Community Places funds are helping us realize our dream.”
In 2011-12, the $4.5 million in provincial assistance through the Community Places Program is expected to leverage more than $39 million in community-based construction projects for the upgrade of existing facilities or creation of new ones, Irvin-Ross said.
Eligible projects receive up to 50 per cent of the first $15,000 of total project costs and up to one-third of any costs over that amount, to a maximum of $50,000.  Non-profit organizations can apply for assistance for both facility development and improvement projects.
This year’s projects include museums, playgrounds, multi-use and recreation facilities, child-care centres, libraries, community halls and seniors’ facilities.  The projects involve critical repairs, roof replacements, fresh air ventilation, fire safety upgrades, energy-efficiency improvements and disability access upgrades.
Community groups will start work on a diverse range of projects assisted by Community Places, such as:
  • $15,000 for Oak Valley Productions in La Rivière for the rebuilding of the outdoor theatre,
  • $9,000 for the Reynolds Community Club in Hadashville for accessibility upgrades,
  • $13,000 for the Arborg and District Multicultural Heritage Village for log restoration of two Ukrainian houses,
  • $30,000 for Kinosao-Sipi First Nation Multiplex in Norway House for energy-efficient facility upgrades,
  • $50,000 for Russell Memorial Arena for walking track and fitness centre space,
  • $18,000 for the Brandon Skateboard Plaza for installation of efficient lighting,
  • $35,000 for the Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre for the construction of an outdoor basketball court, and
  • $9,000 to the McBeth House Seniors Centre in Winnipeg for sunroom upgrades.
The minister also announced the establishment of the Pat Done Green Facility Award.  The annual award will be presented to a non-profit community organization that provides excellence in promoting sustainable and green community projects.  The award commemorates the late Pat Done, a provincial employee who dedicated his career to furthering the goals of sustainable and green community capital projects.
For more information on Community Places and a complete 2011-12 project list visit: www.manitoba.mb.ca/housing/cpp.
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