News Release
For Release
March 15, 2007
Brandon, Manitoba The people of Brandon will
soon have a new, environmentally-friendly designed health and fitness
centre thanks to a $2.4 million investment from Canada's New Government
and the Province of Manitoba, which have made this commitment in partnership
with Brandon University and the Brandon YM-YWCA through the Canada-Manitoba
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba, and Merv Tweed, Member
of Parliament, Brandon-Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose,
President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, made the announcement
today.
"This is an exciting project for Brandon and we are pleased to
support an important redevelopment plan that will provide health, fitness
and recreation opportunities while at the same time creating a structure
that meets the LEED silver standard for a high performance, green building,"
said Premier Doer. "The new centre will be about triple the size
of the existing fitness facilities at Brandon University so more citizens
will have the opportunity to access health and wellness information and
take part in physical activities which are an important aspect of a healthy
lifestyle."
"Canada's New Government is working in partnerships to get
things done for the people of Brandon by investing in projects that will
have a real and lasting benefit for individuals and families," said
MP Merv Tweed. "Through this joint investment of $2.4 million we
are supporting the expansion of the current Brandon fitness facilities.
The new health, fitness and recreation centre will offer sport and recreation
opportunities, a child care facility and a teen drop-in centre. "
The MRIF funding announced today supports a new partnership between Brandon
University and the YM-YWCA to develop a plan that will address the needs
of the entire Brandon community and surrounding area. The new facility
will offer programs and services related to health, wellness, fitness,
recreation, sporting events, sports medicine and child care. In addition
to a wellness centre the site also have a pool designed to accommodate
people with mobility limitations, a whirlpool, a full gymnasium, an indoor
track as well as a teen drop-in centre.
"This is a terrific announcement of support for our partnership
between the Brandon Family YM-YWCA, Brandon University and the City of
Brandon. Every child, elder, professor, student and athlete in this community
will benefit from this recreation and health initiative," said Dr.
Louis P. Visentin, President, Brandon University. "Both the Federal
and Provincial governments are putting their dollars to work for the future
health and welfare of Southwestern Manitoba. I'm proud to be a part of
it."
"The Brandon Family YMCA is proud to be a part of this great facility.
It will allow the Y, along with its partners, to offer a broader range
of programming which will contribute to the health and well being of all
members of the community, particularly children and families," said
Lon Cullen, CEO Brandon YM-YWCA. "We truly appreciate the commitment
of support from all levels of government in establishing this new centre."
The Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) is investing
a total of $120 million in communities across Manitoba. Of the total funds,
80 percent of MRIF is earmarked for communities with a population under
250,000, including 198 municipalities and 50 unincorporated Northern Community
Councils in rural and northern Manitoba. The remaining 20 percent is for
communities with populations over 250,000.
More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects are available
at: www.infrastructure.gc.ca
and www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Jacqueline Petrus, Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-8778
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-4883
www.infrastructure.mb.ca
Jacquie Sippola
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-0280
Winnipeg, Manitoba
John Thorpe, Communications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-4997
www.gov.mb.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and keep up-to-date on the latest from WD.
Backgrounder
Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF)
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs
Each of the following projects is receiving funding under the Municipal
Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) through matching one-third contributions
from the federal and provincial governments and the local project proponent.
Southwestern
Brandon University & the Brandon YM-YWCA - $2,400,000
The Y@BU Recreation Complex
This project will expand and renew the current fitness facilities at Brandon
University to service the campus, the YM-YWCA, as well as the surrounding
community. The new health, fitness and recreation centre will offer sport
and recreation opportunities, a child care facility and a teen drop in
centre.
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Inc. - $375,000
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Redevelopment Phase I
The restoration and upgrades to this museum will ensure the history and
artifacts of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan of 1939-1945 remain
preserved. The upgrades will provide better access to people interested
in the history of flight training from all across North America. The facility
is both a provincial and national historical site.
Previously announced:
Interlake
RM of West St. Paul - $525,000
West St. Paul Multiplex
The construction of this multi-purpose recreation complex will result
in a location for leisure sporting events for the residents of the RM
of West St. Paul and the RM of St. Andrews. The complex will replace two
aging community facilities in West St. Paul.
Winnipeg
YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg - $3,000,000
South Y Renewal and Expansion
An 18,000 sq. ft. expansion of the St. Vital YMCA-YWCA location includes
renewal of the athletic field, upgrades to the aquatic centre and improvements
to the fitness area. It is estimated that the rejuvenated South Y will
increase its membership capacity by 33% to a potential 10,000 members.
St. James Rods Football Club Inc. - $305,000
Rods Rejuvenation Project
The Rods are the longest running minor football club in Canada, providing
quality football programs to over 300 players from ages seven to adult.
The facility's expansion will help meet the growing needs of the
Rods' present football program and allow for further development.
Southeastern
RM of Taché - $375,000
Landmark Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion
This project involves the construction of two additional cells to the
existing hydraulically overloaded lagoon. The expanded facility will service
both the Village of Landmark and the RM of Taché, addressing requirements
for wastewater storage and treatment for the next 20 years.
North Central
Town of Gladstone & RM of Westbourne - $750,000
Gladstone District Community Centre
This projects consists of the construction of a multi-use facility that
includes the renovation of a 1,300 square foot two-storey building. An
addition will be constructed featuring a sod roof that will contain a
wild life preserve of indigenous prairie grasses and wild prairie flowers.
The facility will be built to a minimum of LEED Silver accreditation and
C-2000 standards.
Parkland
City of Dauphin - $390,000
Dauphin Arena Eco-Chill System Expansion
The arena's eco-chill ice system will be expanded to heat other
areas of the multi-purpose recreation complex in Dauphin. The process
limits the release of waste heat into the atmosphere and reduces building
heating costs. It also demonstrates a best-practices approach to energy
conservation.
