January 20, 2005 Brandon, Manitoba -- The expansion and upgrading of the existing Keystone Centre in Brandon will provide a new multi-functional facility that will include the addition of an Agricultural Centre of Excellence with $15 million in funding from the new Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba, and the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), made the joint announcement today. The Keystone Centre's Agricultural Centre of Excellence is the first project funded under the new Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. "Rural Manitobans visit the Keystone Centre and use its diverse facilities to network, learn about innovations and improve their agricultural operations. This project demonstrates the kind of benefit that the new $120 million Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund can provide in our rural communities," said Premier Doer. "Our province initially committed $2.8 million for Keystone and we are pleased to be able to come through with the remaining $2.2 million to ensure the centre can operate successfully for many years to come. This is on top of the $610,000 in funding for a new roof at the Centre and brings our total commitment to over $5.6 million." "The Keystone Centre is Manitoba's largest year-round multi-functional facility for sporting, hospitality, agricultural and cultural events. With the development of the Agricultural Centre of Excellence we have the opportunity to expand and upgrade the existing facility to ensure the Centre remains an invaluable resource to the City of Brandon and all of Manitoba for many years to come," said Minister Alcock. "This Centre will not only meet the social, recreational and economic development needs of the City of Brandon but will contribute to the entire western region of Manitoba." "Today's announcement in Brandon clearly illustrates how governments working together can deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to Manitoba communities," said Minister Owen. "By renewing Manitoba's infrastructure we will improve public services, build strong, sustainable communities and provide a quality of life that is second to none." "The Keystone centre is a hub of activity in Brandon, the surrounding area and all of southwest Manitoba," said the Honourable Scott Smith, Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister. "This includes agricultural, social and competitive events that are crucial to the well-being of the community". Under the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs funded under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, both levels of government and applicants will fund projects equally. The governments of Canada and Manitoba will each contribute $5 million to the construction of the new Agricultural Centre of Excellence and upgrades for the Keystone Centre's existing infrastructure. The Keystone Agricultural and Recreational Centre Inc. will fund the remaining one-third cost of $5 million. "We're very pleased that the development of the new Agricultural Centre of Excellence is becoming a reality", said Tim Silversides, President of Keystone Centre. "The new facility will enable the Centre to host more events, more efficiently and will ensure the Keystone Centre continues to serve all of Manitoba for years to come." The proposed new Agricultural Centre of Excellence will be a major multi-functional facility that will include the development of a 100,000-square-foot building with a show ring and seating for up to 700 people. The show ring will be built to accommodate events such as rodeos, cattle sales, 4-H shows and sales, major equestrian competitions and a variety of sales and clinics. The building will also house stabling facilities with 175 stalls, a wash rack, washrooms, canteen/office space and connecting corridors to the existing facility. Improvements to the existing Keystone Centre will include replacing some of the facility's heating, ventilation, air conditioning and roofing, and upgrading safety, electrical and building systems as well as the building exterior. All Manitoba local governments, non-profit and private sector organizations are eligible to apply for support for local infrastructure projects under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. A consultative committee, including members from the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC), will review applications received from across Manitoba and make funding recommendations. Additional information on the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund can be found on the attached backgrounder. More information on Government of Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects can be found at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.infrastructure.mb .ca . - 30 - For additional information, contact: Mark Gale Communications Manager Western Economic Diversification Canada Tel: (204) 983-6243 E-mail: mark.gale@wd.gc.ca For Applicants: Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat (204) 945-1906 Toll free: 1-800-268-4883 Graham Gork Communications Coordinator Government of Manitoba(204) 945-5795 WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca Backgrounder The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund in Manitoba Project support: $120 million The Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs, funded in part under the federal Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), will invest $120 million in communities across Manitoba over five years. The Governments of Canada and Manitoba are each investing $41 million, with matching project funding to come from local governments. The needThe need for this fund is clear. Municipal leaders consistently identify infrastructure as their most pressing issue. Many municipalities must repair or replace roads, water and sewage systems that were put in place decades ago. In high-growth areas, transportation routes are growing congested and municipal services are straining to keep up with demand. Through MRIF and other infrastructure programs, the Governments of Canada and Manitoba enable municipalities to undertake infrastructure enhancements that otherwise might remain stalled for years. Cleaner air and water The MRIF includes a strong "green" element. At least 40 per cent of the fund will support projects that lead to cleaner air and water. These can include improvements to local systems for water, wastewater, solid waste, and environmental energy improvements to municipal buildings. Public transit projects also count as "green," as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars. The fund also provides for investment in other categories such as local roads, better Internet connections, and projects that promote local culture, recreation and tourism. Program eligibility and application information All Manitoba local governments are eligible to apply for funding under MRIF and 80 per cent will be going to communities of less than 250,000 people. All project proposals will need to be supported by a municipal resolution. Not-for-profit and private-sector organizations are also eligible for funding with supportive resolutions from the local government where the project would be located and the organization's board of directors. Applicants are able to submit an application on-line at http:// www.infrastructure.mb.ca . Interactive CD and paper applications are also available upon request through the Secretariat by calling (204) 945-1906 or toll-free to 1-800-268-4883. The Secretariat can also be reached by e-mail at infra@gov.mb.ca . Projects will be selected in a competitive, merit-based manner and in accordance with the mandatory screening and ranking criteria of the project category. These criteria are available at www.infrastructure.mb.ca . Efficient management The joint Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat will continue to manage MRIF, process applications and correspond with applicants and recipients through its single-window program delivery model. A consultative committee of local government officials will evaluate applications and provide recommendations to the federal-provincial Management Committee for their consideration. The local officials include representatives of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC). The joint Secretariat was established to administer an earlier and similar program, the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program ( http:// www.infrastructure.mb.ca ). MRIF The $1 billion Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund was announced in the 2003 federal budget as a 10-year program. Earlier this year, the Government of Canada moved MRIF to a five-year timeline to respond more quickly to the needs of smaller communities across the country. MRIF helps balance support for smaller communities with other programs such as the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), a $4-billion program that mostly supports bigger projects in larger cities. Through CSIF, the Government of Canada announced a $120-million commitment to the expansion of the Red River Floodway. MRIF helps ensure that Canadians benefit from investments in improving the quality of life.
