May 26, 2005 Winnipeg, Manitoba -- The governments of Canada and Manitoba today announced a $3-million investment in wastewater infrastructure improvements at the University of Manitoba’s Smartpark. This funding is part of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) agreement, and is part of the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Programs (CMIP). The announcement was made today by 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) and by the Honourable Rosann Wowchuk, Deputy Premier, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives and Minister responsible for Cooperative Development, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Smith, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade. “The Government of Canada is proud to invest in the development of basic infrastructure at the University of Manitoba Smartpark,” said Minister Alcock. “ It will literally pave the way for new innovation, research and business growth in Winnipeg.” “This project fosters innovation and learning while respecting the environment,” said Minister Wowchuk. “Federal provincial cooperation and partnerships help us strengthen the infrastructure of our technology sector.” This $3 million from MRIF for wastewater infrastructure improvement is the first step toward a future phase of building and research development at Smartpark, including additional basic infrastructure improvements (sewer, water and road) for Technology Trail. Smartpark was originally drafted from 108 acres of land set aside at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry Campus for development into an innovative research park, fostering research collaboration between the university and industry and boosting the transfer of new technologies to the marketplace. "I am delighted that the federal government and province have announced this funding towards infrastructure and the continued development of Smartpark at the University of Manitoba," said Dr. Emõke Szathmáry, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manitoba. In the last two and a half years, Smartpark has developed or facilitated the development of seven buildings on this site, representing a capital investment exceeding $100 million, and by the end of 2005, over 800 individuals will be working in the tenant companies and organizations at Smartpark. Among these buildings are the Cangene Corporation headquarters, and the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals. The other five buildings are reserved for high-tech and biotech companies, who conduct research and development activities in the information technology, wireless communication, advanced manufacturing and materials and ag-biotech industries. 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 Alan Simms, vice-président associé (Administration) Bureau du président, Université du Manitoba, Smartpark (204) 474-8758 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
