March 5, 2014

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO BUILD CORE INFRASTRUCTURE, CREATE 58,900 JOBS FOR FAMILIES

A new $5.5-billion, five-year plan will focus on building Manitoba’s core infrastructure priorities and create more than 58,900 jobs, Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton and Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

“In past decades, economic uncertainty brought cuts and there was not enough infrastructure investment to keep up the aging roads, highways, bridges and flood protection that Manitobans rely on,” said Minister Ashton.  “We are making this historic investment because we know restoring and expanding our infrastructure is actually even more important during economic uncertainty.  These investments keep our businesses competitive and create good jobs for families.”

The Five-Year Plan to Build a Stronger Manitobawill use every dollar raised from the
one-cent-on-the-dollar increase in the PST with new investments in core infrastructure including:

• more than $3.7 billion will be invested in Manitoba roads, highways and bridges to better connect communities and strengthen trade corridors;
• $320 million will be invested in flood protection around the province to better protect more communities from flooding; and
• more than $1.5 billion will be invested in municipal roads, clean water and other municipal infrastructure to help meet the needs of Manitoba’s many growing communities.

“For every dollar that we invest in our plan, we will see an even bigger boost to our economy,” said Minister Oswald.  “We’re also investing in training in the trades and in apprenticeships to ensure that Manitobans have the skills that industry needs in order to fill the tens of thousands of jobs our plan is creating.  We’re focused on providing opportunities for young people so they can build their futures right here at home.”

Highlights from an independent analysis conducted by the Conference Board of Canada and released today projects that Manitoba’s $5.5-billion investment in core infrastructure will:

• boost Manitoba’s economy by $6.3 billion,
• boost exports by $5.4 billion, and
• boost retail sales by $1.4 billion.

The Conference Board of Canada also estimates these investments will create 58,900 jobs and that each dollar invested in the five-year plan will benefit Manitoba’s economy by $1.16.

The five-year plan is the product of many consultations with municipalities, business and labour leaders and industry associations across Manitoba, the ministers noted.

“To keep Manitoba competitive and build our core infrastructure, we all have a part to play, that’s why this plan is so important,” said Chris Lorenc, president of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association.  “We have to get started.  We have to plan ahead to get the most for our dollar and when there are delays, we have to work together to carry those resources forward and get the job done.”

“The five-year plan released today is very important to the continued development of CentrePort Canada as it focuses public investment in two key areas – building Manitoba’s economic infrastructure and building our key trade gateways and corridors,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada Inc.

Progress on the five-year plan, as well as its economic impacts, will be independently reviewed and publicly reported annually, the ministers added.

The five-year plan can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/pdf/five-yr-plan.pdf.

School Daze are here again

Education Minister Nancy Allan Welcomes a Grade 1 Class At Grosvenor School in Winnipeg to their First Full Day of School.

September 4, 2013

EDUCATION MINISTER WELCOMES STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL

– – –
Smaller Class Sizes, Improved Curriculum, More Classrooms to Benefit Families This Year: Allan

Thousands of Manitoba students making their way back to school will see improvements in their classrooms to give them more of the supports they need this year, Education Minister Nancy Allan said today while visiting a Grade 1 class at Grosvenor School in Winnipeg.
“For every parent, there’s perhaps nothing more important than ensuring their children can get a good education and the attention they need,” said Allan.  “That’s why we’ve said no to short-sighted cuts that some governments have made and instead we’re building for the future with investments in the classroom and the priorities of families.”
Allan said the 2013-14 school year will be a very exciting and busy one as government moves forward with a number of major initiatives that will further improve the province’s schools and increase student achievement.  Students will be welcomed back to new science labs and renovated facilities, and students in Winkler will attend a new school which will be holding a grand opening on Oct. 24.
During the past year, the provincial government took on a number of initiatives to strengthen education in Manitoba.  Some of these included:

•     implementing smaller class sizes for students in kindergarten to Grade 3;
•     building new schools in Manitoba’s growing communities;
•     constructing additions and renovating classrooms to better suit smaller classes;
•     adding new gyms and renovating and building new science labs;
•     revising the kindergarten to Grade 8 math curriculum to ensure students are getting the basic skills they need to do arithmetic and solve problems;
•     implementing a new assessment policy to ensure more rigorous standards in schools;
•     providing a new plain language provincial report card, now implemented provincewide; and
•     taking measures to stop bullying in schools through proposed new legislation.

Since 1999, the Manitoba government has invested more than $845 million in public school capital projects including 18 new schools and 13 replacement schools, and has completed extensive renovations and additions to dozens of existing schools, the minister said.

- 30 -

Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Mayor Sam Katz say construction will begin soon on new and enhanced recreation facilities for Elmwood-area residents, ensuring local families have increased options for year-round activities and fun.

October 25, 2012

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FROM ELMWOOD AREA TO HAVE MORE RECREATION OPTIONS SOON AT BRONX PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE (KELVIN SITE)

– – –
A $700,000 redevelopment construction project is ready to begin

A construction project is about to begin that will give Elmwood area residents new recreational facilities through the Manitoba/Winnipeg Building Communities Initiatives II partnership, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz announced at the Bronx Park Community Centre (Kelvin site) redevelopment site today.
“The Bronx Park Community Centre is an important part of this community and with input and advice from local residents, we’re moving forward with improvements that will ensure families can take even better advantage of this centre,” said Lemieux. “Building and improving our community infrastructure makes a difference in the lives of local families and helps enhance the whole city.”
“The upgrading and enhancement of this recreational facility is another example of governments working together to provide families with another safe, fun, recreational option in support of active, healthy lifestyles,” said Katz.
Planning for the project involved a series of five community meetings, workshops and open houses to define community priorities, needs and project scope. The scope includes redevelopment of the former Kelvin Community Centre site to provide a new entry plaza, skateboard amenity, accessible playground, basketball and hockey skills area, skating rink, toboggan slide, site furnishings and landscaping.
The redevelopment project is receiving a $600,000 contribution from Building Communities Initiative II, cost-shared equally by the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg.  The city is allocating a further $100,000 to the project.

Construction on the redevelopment will start soon with the majority of work scheduled for completion in spring 2013. Renovations to the existing building for changing skates are also being planned by the General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres and Bronx Park Community Centre in partnership with City of Winnipeg staff. Work will begin in spring 2013 with completion in fall 2013.
Since 2010, the Building Communities Initiative II has committed $10 million to 38 approved neighbourhood infrastructure projects throughout Winnipeg and work on many of the projects has been completed.
The Building Communities Initiative is a multi-year, cost-shared capital initiative developed jointly by the Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg. The goal of the funding initiative is to support community revitalization through improvements to local community infrastructure in targeted older neighbourhoods and contribute to the vitality, safety and health of communities throughout the city.

- 30 -

 

September 28, 2012

THRONE SPEECH TO BE DELIVERED NOV. 19: HOWARD

The reading of the speech from the throne on Monday, Nov. 19 will open the second session of Manitoba’s 40th legislature, Government House Leader Jennifer Howard announced today.
“Our focus on what matters most to Manitoba families is getting results in the face of ongoing global economic uncertainty,” said Howard.  “In this session, our government will continue to invest in improving health care, creating better job and training opportunities, and building a better quality of life for everyone, while finding responsible ways to reduce spending.”
The session will see the introduction of legislation and initiatives to keep Manitoba moving forward through the sluggish world economic recovery, said the minister.
“Our fall session will build on the balanced plan we introduced in Budget 2012 while continuing to fulfil the commitments we have made to Manitobans.”
Highlights from the budget include:

• providing free cancer drugs for all patients,
• making major investments in roads and bridges including flood repair and critical infrastructure, and
• making it easier than ever to become an apprentice in all areas of the province.

- 30 -

Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton (at lectern) announced a funding partnership with federal and municipal governments and the construction plans for Plessis Road to accommodate bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and improve traffic flow. Plans include an underpass, bi-directional rail bridge plus bicycle and pedestrian lanes

June 26, 2012

FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN WINNIPEG

– – –
Plessis Road underpass will make travel safer and faster

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 26, 2012 – Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Winnipeg’s east end will soon have a safer and faster commute. Federal, provincial and municipal officials announced today that the Plessis Road Underpass is being considered as a priority for funding under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund.
“Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure projects that create local jobs, promote economic growth and improve Winnipeggers’ quality of life,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and MP for Provencher. “I am happy to know that our investment will make travel safer and faster on one of the busiest stretches of road in Winnipeg.”
“Our financial support of improvements to Winnipeg’s roads and transportation infrastructure clearly demonstrates the province’s commitment to creating safe and efficient routes for all modes of transportation, particularly in high-traffic areas,” said the Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government. “We are pleased to join with our partners to move this important project forward.”
“Winnipeggers have made it very clear that improving the City’s infrastructure is a top priority,” said Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg. “Creating separate routes for trains, motor vehicles, and bicycles and pedestrians make everyone’s commute safer and faster. This commitment to the Plessis Road Underpass shows what we can achieve when all three levels of government work together to improve municipal infrastructure.”
The project would see the construction of a bi-directional rail bridge, the reconstruction and widening of close to a kilometre of Plessis Road, the construction of bicycle and pedestrian lanes, the lowering of Dugald Road to accommodate the addition of the underpass, and the construction of a pump house and land drainage system to drain the proposed underpass.
At present, several trains block the busy Plessis Road intersection every day, resulting in increased commute times. Once completed, this project will reduce traffic congestion on Plessis Road, and provide a safer commute for users.
Under the Building Canada Plan-Major Infrastructure Component, the Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $25 million. The total cost of the project is estimated at $77 million, with up to $25 million funded by the Province, and the balance of $27 million provided by the City of Winnipeg.
Federal funding is conditional upon the completion of a federal review of the project, the completion of environment assessments and implementation of recommendations required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the signing of a contribution agreement.
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to create jobs, generate economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the Government of Canada will be engaging provinces, territories and stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and representatives of the private sector at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
For more information on the Building Canada Plan, and on investments in Winnipeg and in Manitoba by Infrastructure Canada, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.

- 30 - 

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://actionplan.gc.ca/.
To learn more about Manitoba’s infrastructure projects, please visit http://infrastructure.mb.ca/.





June 26, 2012

FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN WINNIPEG

– – –
Plessis Road underpass will make travel safer and faster

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 26, 2012 – Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Winnipeg’s east end will soon have a safer and faster commute. Federal, provincial and municipal officials announced today that the Plessis Road Underpass is being considered as a priority for funding under the Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund.
“Our government is proud to invest in infrastructure projects that create local jobs, promote economic growth and improve Winnipeggers’ quality of life,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety and MP for Provencher. “I am happy to know that our investment will make travel safer and faster on one of the busiest stretches of road in Winnipeg.”
“Our financial support of improvements to Winnipeg’s roads and transportation infrastructure clearly demonstrates the province’s commitment to creating safe and efficient routes for all modes of transportation, particularly in high-traffic areas,” said the Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government. “We are pleased to join with our partners to move this important project forward.”
“Winnipeggers have made it very clear that improving the City’s infrastructure is a top priority,” said Sam Katz, Mayor of Winnipeg. “Creating separate routes for trains, motor vehicles, and bicycles and pedestrians make everyone’s commute safer and faster. This commitment to the Plessis Road Underpass shows what we can achieve when all three levels of government work together to improve municipal infrastructure.”
The project would see the construction of a bi-directional rail bridge, the reconstruction and widening of close to a kilometre of Plessis Road, the construction of bicycle and pedestrian lanes, the lowering of Dugald Road to accommodate the addition of the underpass, and the construction of a pump house and land drainage system to drain the proposed underpass.
At present, several trains block the busy Plessis Road intersection every day, resulting in increased commute times. Once completed, this project will reduce traffic congestion on Plessis Road, and provide a safer commute for users.
Under the Building Canada Plan-Major Infrastructure Component, the Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $25 million. The total cost of the project is estimated at $77 million, with up to $25 million funded by the Province, and the balance of $27 million provided by the City of Winnipeg.
Federal funding is conditional upon the completion of a federal review of the project, the completion of environment assessments and implementation of recommendations required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the signing of a contribution agreement.
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to create jobs, generate economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the Government of Canada will be engaging provinces, territories and stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and representatives of the private sector at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.
For more information on the Building Canada Plan, and on investments in Winnipeg and in Manitoba by Infrastructure Canada, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.

- 30 - 

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://actionplan.gc.ca/.
To learn more about Manitoba’s infrastructure projects, please visit http://infrastructure.mb.ca/.

June 25, 2012

GOVERNMENTS PARTNER TO EXPAND THE WINNIPEG CONVENTION CENTRE

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 25, 2012 – The Governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg announced today their partnership to support the expansion and renovation of the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be over $180 million. Under the Building Canada Fund - Major Infrastructure Component, the Government of Canada is setting aside up to one-third of total eligible costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $46,646,667, to help realize this project. The Province of Manitoba is contributing up to $51 million and the same amount is provided by the City of Winnipeg. The balance of funding will be provided from new incremental property tax revenues from an integrated hotel and commercial development adjacent to the Winnipeg Convention Centre, as well as additional revenue from the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
“With Manitoba booming and the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg gaining momentum, the time has come to expand one of our most important places for hosting large events,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “The renewed Winnipeg Convention Centre will be modernized and expanded to nearly twice its current size. This will help us attract the best local, national and international events, while maximizing the economic opportunities that arise from new attractions including the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.”
“Our government is committed to investing in projects that create jobs while promoting economic growth, tourism and business opportunities in Winnipeg, in Manitoba and throughout the country,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport) and Member of Parliament for Charleswood–St. James–Assiniboia. “Since 1975, the Winnipeg Convention Centre has been an important location for meetings, exhibitions and banquets, and our government is proud to contribute to its renovation and expansion.”
The project will significantly expand and renovate the existing 160,000-square-foot facility in the City’s downtown, enabling the Centre to remain competitive within the Canadian convention centre market.
“It’s exciting to see the City’s vision of the Winnipeg Convention Centre realized. As an integral part of Winnipeg’s downtown, located within the new Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District (SHED), an expanded Convention Centre will draw even more business and community events to our City,” said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.  “This project is another example of governments and the private sector working together to further develop Winnipeg’s downtown.”
“We’re pleased that all three levels of government are supporting the Winnipeg Convention Centre as we embark on our next chapter of development,” said Rennie Zegalski, past Chairman of the Board, Winnipeg Convention Centre. “Their commitment to our expansion sends a positive message to the citizens of Winnipeg and is a testament to their support of Winnipeg as a first-class meeting and convention destination.”
The Winnipeg Convention Centre will double in size and extend south over York Avenue onto the existing surface parking lot. The new facility will include multi-purpose divisible space, additional underground parking and main floor public assembly space.  The third floor will feature new exhibit space that will connect to the existing building and create over 147,000 sq. ft. of contiguous, pillarless trade and consumer show space.
Federal funding is conditional upon the completion of a federal review of the project and environmental assessments, the requirements for Aboriginal consultations being met, and the signing of a contribution agreement. If required, recommendations under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Actmust also be implemented.
Investing in infrastructure is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to create jobs, generate economic growth and ensure long-term prosperity. Over the course of the summer, the federal government will be engaging provinces, territories and stakeholders in a series of roundtables to develop a new long-term infrastructure plan. This plan will focus on investments that support job creation and economic growth, while building strong, prosperous communities across the country. In addition, the Government of Canada will hold a roundtable with national stakeholders and representatives of the private sector at the end of the summer. Working together to develop this plan will provide new opportunities for all orders of government and the private sector to build partnerships to improve public infrastructure in Canada.

- 30 -

For more information on the Building Canada Plan, and on investments in Winnipeg and in Manitoba by Infrastructure Canada, please visit http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.
To learn more about Manitoba’s infrastructure projects, please visit http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca/.

May 31, 2012

MAPLES COMMUNITY CENTRE CELEBRATES IMPROVEMENTS THANKS TO FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-CITY PARTNERSHIP

Winnipeg, Manitoba—An official grand opening ceremony was held today to celebrate improvements to the Maples Community Centre. Senator Don Plett, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification; Mohinder Saran, MLA for The Maples, on behalf of Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux;and Devi Sharma, Councillor for Old Kildonan, on behalf of Mayor Sam Katz; joined representatives from the Seven Oaks School Board and Maples Community Centre to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of those that helped to make the project possible.
Joint funding from all three levels of government went towards the construction of a new track, an all-purpose field and bleachers. The Government of Canada, through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC) contributed $203,797; the Province of Manitoba invested $100,000, while the City of Winnipeg provided $60,000 towards the project. The remaining project costs were covered by the Seven Oaks School Division. Additionally, the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg each contributed $125,000 under the Building Communities Initiative to upgrade and improve the outdoor basketball and tennis courts.
“This project is an excellent example of our Government’s top priority to create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Senator Plett.  “We are proud to have supported these upgrades to the Maples Community Centre track and field which will benefit the community and athletes of all ages for years to come.”
“Thanks to this partnership, athletes of all skill levels and students of all ages will be able to enjoy these new and improved facilities as it will encourage participation and enjoyment of healthy recreational activities,” said MLA Saran.

“The Maples Community Centre is the heart of the community, providing a safe and welcoming gathering place for people of all ages,” said Mayor Katz. “The City of Winnipeg is pleased to support athletes, and their friends and families, with facilities like the new track, playing field and outdoor courts.”
“These community improvements are the result of active, caring community members working in partnership with all levels of government and interested stakeholders,” said Kirk Baldwin, Divisional Principal, Seven Oaks School Division.
The Maples Community Centreis an important facility to the Maples neighborhood. As a result of the funding provided the Centre’s amenities have been restored to safety and are again fully functional, allowing local athletes to participate in the sport of their choice, in their own community.

- 30 -

December 16, 2008

PROVINCE, CITY TO ACCELERATE CAPITAL PLANS AS PART OF PROPOSED IKEA SITE


The Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg will work together to accelerate the widening of Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway to meet the timelines of a proposed new Winnipeg Ikea site, Premier Gary Doer and Mayor Sam Katz said today.

The premier said the province will advance its share of capital funding to the city of up to $8 million for the projects. The widening of Kenaston Boulevard and Sterling Lyon Parkway is already included in the city’s Plan Winnipeg, but would be accelerated to accommodate Ikea’s development plans, pending a public rezoning process and open house that will take place this spring.

“Advancing already scheduled infrastructure will help this project move forward,” said Doer.

“The city has worked diligently to create an ‘open for business’ environment that attracts growth and positive developments like Ikea,” said Katz. “By accelerating existing infrastructure plans, we are encouraging smart responsible development and I am thrilled to see this major retail project transform from talk to action.

- 30 -