South Transcona (Winnipeg), Manitoba – The governments of Canada and Manitoba today announced a $4.5-million investment for a new Transcona Recreation Park to be located in the South Transcona area of Winnipeg. This funding is part of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) agreement, which is part of the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Programs (CMIP). The project was announced by the Honourable Scott Smith, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade and the Honourable Raymond Simard, Member of Parliament for St. Boniface, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “ This project will improve recreation opportunities through federal-provincial cooperation and partnerships with local groups,” said Minister Smith. “We continue our long tradition of working together to strengthen the infrastructure of our capital city.” “The federal government is committed to working with our partners in all levels of government to respond to local priorities,” said Simard. “Through strategic use of our resources, we are building sustainable communities and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba.” “This project has been a long time dream for residents of Transcona,” remarked Steve Mymko, Director of the East Winnipeg Sports Association. “Through our organization’s collaboration with the two levels of government, federal and provincial, we can now celebrate its fruition for years to come.” The new Transcona Recreation Park will provide a new recreation facility and exhibition area for residents and users as well as increase access to the local recreational facilities where the existing community facilities are undersized and the dilapidated conditions create safety problems for users and spectators. The development of new softball and baseball diamonds, soccer pitches, trails and winter sports facilities will further enhance the Park’s ability to meet the recreational needs of all Winnipeggers. Consisting of matching one-third federal, provincial, and local contributions, MRIF provides approximately $120 million for infrastructure renewal in Manitoba. Twenty per cent of agreement funding is earmarked for communities with a population of over 250,000. The remaining 80 per cent is for the other 198 municipalities and 50 unincorporated Northern Community Councils in rural and northern Manitoba. More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects can be found at www.infrastructure.gc.ca or www.infrastructure.mb.ca. Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework . -30- For additional information, contact: Dougald Lamont, Communications Officer Western Economic Diversification Canada Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 983-0280 Jacqueline Petrus, Communications Coordinator Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 945-8778 Toll-Free: 1-800-268-4883 Secretariat Website: www.infrastructure.mb.ca Graham Gork, Communications Coordinator Government of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 945-5795 MB Government Website: www.gov.mb.ca Steve Mymko, Director East Winnipeg Sports Association (204) 781-6118 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
