For Release
March 12, 2007
Brandon, Manitoba – A piece of World War II’s
flight training history is being preserved for future generations at the
Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATP) with a $375,000 investment
through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.
The Honourable Scott Smith, Minister of Competitiveness, Training and
Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Infrastructure
and Transportation and Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for 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.
“We are pleased to be able to provide funding for this project
that will restore and preserve a treasure from our past. Now Manitobans
and visitors from around the world will have better access to the facility
and can learn more about our role in the history of flight training,”
said Minister Smith. “This is one of the most significant, remaining
World War II flight training facilities and we are proud that our history
and valuable artifacts will be preserved.”
“The Commonwealth Air Training Plan played a crucial role in World
War II and the contribution and sacrifice made by those that went through
the Plan cannot be forgotten,” said Merv Tweed. “Canada’s
New Government is ensuring that the pride Brandon residents have in their
part of that incredible undertaking will resonate with generations to
come.”
This is the fifth of 13 infrastructure projects totaling more than $17
million being announced in Manitoba by Canada’s New Government and
the Province of Manitoba.
The Commonwealth Air Training Plan (CATP) is the largest remaining WWII
flight training facility in North America that is still accessible to
visitors. The CATP is a designated Provincial and National historical
site where pilots from across Europe and North America trained during
WWII. The $375,000 investment through MRIF will allow the CATP to improve
the facility’s infrastructure to provide for a better visitor’s
experience.
"The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum is very pleased to have
been approved for funding through MRIF,” said Stephen Hayter, Executive
Director, CATP. “It is support of government agencies such as this
that will ultimately mean the success of our Above & Beyond Capital
Project and the preservation of an important part of Canadian history.”
More specific details of the other projects receiving contributions
through MRIF will be revealed at events with local partners held throughout
the province over the coming weeks. The projects being announced support
MRIF’s green and recreation project categories.
The Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) is investing
a total of $120 million in communities across Manitoba. Of the total funds,
80 per cent 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 per cent is
for communities with populations over 250,000.
More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects can
be found at www.infrastructure.gc.ca
and www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Jacqueline Petrus,
Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tel.: (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
Tel.: (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
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.
