July 26, 2005
WINNIPEG, Manitoba– Winnipeg’s downtown revitalization received another boost with today’s announcement of funding for Phase II of the Centennial Library’s Millennium Project, a new park south of the library’s spectacular new façade. The park will be created thanks to a
$2.1 million investment from the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Premier Gary Doer and the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) made the announcement today.
“The park behind the library has long been an oasis in the middle of the downtown, one of few green spaces in the area,” said Premier Doer. “Now that the new building is nearly complete, we are pleased to help rebuild the park to serve the community and complement the new library for generations to come .”
“This Park is the final chapter in the renovation and reconstruction of the largest and most important public library in Winnipeg, and is just one example of the many investments the Government of Canada is making to improve quality of life for Canadians ,” said Minister Owen. “ Our investment will expand the important role this Library plays in the social and cultural life of the city, opening up new opportunities for literacy, learning and leisure downtown .”
The redesigned park will carve a community-friendly urban space beside a signature downtown Winnipeg building.
“This initiative will help ensure we have a beautiful park beside our outstanding new facility,” said Mayor Katz. “I want to thank the Federal and Provincial governments, as well as the Winnipeg Library Foundation, for helping us build a magnificent new symbol of Winnipeg’s downtown renewal.”
“The Winnipeg Library Foundation is very pleased that the federal and provincial governments have agreed to fund a project which fulfills our vision of a renewed library park and complements the award winning building,” said Robert Silver, Past Chair of the Winnipeg Library Foundation. “The park will enhance the visitors’ Millennium Library experience by offering a vital and safe downtown greenspace for their enjoyment.”
Over 200,000 people visit the downtown Winnipeg library annually. The park’s redevelopment will provide access to much-needed greenspace in the city’s central business sector while contributing to downtown revitalization. The Millennium Library plans to use the park as an outdoor venue to host programmed events and casual activities for varying age groups.
MRIF is part of the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs, a joint partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba. 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 250,000. The remaining 80 per cent is for communities under 250,000.
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 was provided for in Budget 2005.
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For additional information, contact:
Dougald Lamont,
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0280
Graham Gork,
C
ommunications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
MB Government Website: www.gov.mb.ca
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
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
