Communities make over on the way

August 22, 2013 MANITOBA BUILDING AND RENEWAL PLAN INVESTS IN RECREATION PROJECTS IN SOUTHWEST WINNIPEG – – – Province Providing over $400,000 For Local Projects: Premier The provincial government is investing in southwest Winnipeg infrastructure that will renew and revitalize many popular recreation facilities and create green spaces for local families, Premier Greg Selinger announced today. “The projects announced today are about better opportunities for children and families to engage in healthy outdoor recreation, giving them a positive outlet for their energy and providing a focus for family entertainment,” said Selinger. “The province is pleased to invest in these important community-identified infrastructure projects that will serve the residents in the southwest sector of Winnipeg for years to come.” The province is providing the Fort Garry Lions with funding towards the installation of full field lighting on the Lions’ main football field. The project will involve the installation of four pre-cast concrete light standards, four galvanized steel light standards, 36 game lights and remote electrical component closures. The addition of lighting will significantly increase the number of hours during which the field may be used and also enlarge the number of activities for which it may be used throughout the year. Other organizations in southwest Winnipeg receiving funding include: •École Laverendrye Parent Advisory Council – enhancing École Laverendrye gymnasium; •Earl Grey Community Centre – upgrading outdoor building; •Osborne Village BIZ – creating a mural on the Gas Station Theatre; •Westdale Community Centre – expanding and enhancing sports facilities; •Linden Woods Community Centre – paving outdoor rink; •Churchill High School Parent Advisory Council – upgrading to digital sign; •Royal Canadian Legion Fort Garry Branch #90 – resurfacing parking lot; •Earl Grey School Parent Advisory Council – upgrading school grounds; •Red River Metis Group – repairing Red River carts; •Charleswood Curling Club – replacing ice surface roof and refrigeration piping; •Fort Rouge Co-op Day Nursery – creating nature based playground; •École Viscount Alexander School Ground Transformation Committee –outdoor classroom; •St. Norbert Immersion Parent Advisory Council – school yard improvements; •St. Norbert BIZ – installation of recreational public seating; •St. Avila Home and School Association – installation of bike cage; •Assiniboine Park Conservancy – Terry Fox Trail redevelopment; and •Manitoba Paddling Association – upgrading geothermal system. Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan committed $7.5 million over the next three years for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program. This new initiative is providing grants forprojects that will provide long-term recreational and wellness benefits to communities, the premier said. “When we improve the public buildings and recreational facilities in Manitoba, we are doing great things for our communities and our economy,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux. “Improvements to buildings extend their use and keep neighbourhoods attractive and vibrant. By maintaining sports facilities, we provide youth with safe, positive ways to spend their time, so they are much more likely to challenge themselves through appropriate activities that will help them succeed in life.” The first application intake for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program began on May 22, making grants available for projects such as libraries, swimming pools and splash pads, parks, trails, community centres, sports facilities including arenas and gymnasiums, as well as other community infrastructure facilities. The first application intake has closed and details on the next intake will be announced on the program’s website. For more information about the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program, go to www.gov.mb.ca/ia/wcip/index.html. - 30 -

Premier Greg Selinger (at lectern) today announced $20 million in provincial funding to improve roads in the Polo Park area. The province is partnering with the city in the $40 million project. Joining the premier for the announcement were (L to R) Leo Ledohowski, Canad Inns president and chair, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau, Kirkfield Park MLA Sharon Blady and St. James MLA Deanne Crothers

 

June 12, 2013

MANITOBA BUILDING AND RENEWAL PLAN INVESTS IN POLO PARK AREA ROADS

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Provincial Funding of $20 Million to Support Road Renewal, St. Matthews Avenue Extension: Premier

A major provincial investment will soon result in better driving conditions for residents of Winnipeg in one of the city’s busiest areas, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“With the redevelopment of the former football stadium site, it’s the right time to address the need for road renewal and intersection improvements in the Polo Park area,” Selinger said.  “Through Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan, the provincial government is moving forward with critical infrastructure work that families depend on, like road improvements in high traffic areas like Polo Park.”
The Polo Park area has seen major expansion of retail businesses for more than a decade and new residential and commercial development on the old Canad Inns stadium site is coming soon.
The province is contributing $20 million to this project.  The total cost is estimated at $40 million and is funded in partnership with the City of Winnipeg, which announced funding for the project in December 2012.  Construction is planned for 2014 and the preliminary design and public information session is scheduled for September 2013.
The scope of work includes:

• extension of St. Matthews Avenue from St. James to Madison streets;
• improvements to St. Matthews Avenue between Empress Street and St. James Street; and
• improvements to the St. James Street/St. Matthews Avenue and St. James Street/Ellice Avenue intersections.

“Along with better access to retail and commercial businesses, restaurants and movies, the road and intersection improvements will mean local residents, business owners, employees and shoppers will spend less time in traffic jams,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.  “Major investments like this can only improve the economic viability of this community, benefit the city and, in turn, the whole province.”
 Since 2007, the province has invested more than $200 million in Winnipeg roads.

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