News Release
For Release
March 07, 2007
Winnipeg, Manitoba – One of Manitoba’s longest
standing football clubs, the St. James Rods Football Club will benefit
from a $305,000 contribution through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural
Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
The Honourable Jim Rondeau, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy
and Mines, on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Minister
of Infrastructure and Transportation, and Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament
for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, 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 partner with the St. James Rods on their plans
that will result in significant improvements to a much-needed sports facility,”
said Minister Rondeau. “The changes will expand and update the site
and will allow up to 70,000 more people per year to utilize the facility
– either as athletes or spectators.”
“Canada’s New Government is getting things done for people
in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba,” said MP Steven Fletcher. “Together
with our partners, we are pleased to invest over $300,000 in this project
to expand the Rods Football Club facility and contribute to the health
and well being of the community.”
This is the second infrastructure project of a total of 13 projects
totaling more than $17 million being announced in Manitoba by the Government
of Canada and the Province of Manitoba.
The infrastructure funding announced today will be used by the St. James
Rods Football Club to rejuvenate and improve its current site with construction
of expanded facilities for players, more green space and better practice
lighting to accommodate the program’s eleven teams.
“As a club providing football to over 330 players aged 7 to 21 years
old, we are thrilled to receive this funding so that the existing facility
can be updated to meet our needs. We look forward to completion in 2007!”
said Laura Shea, President St. James Rods.
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 199 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
Secretariat Website: 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
MB Government Website: www.gov.mb.ca
WD Toll-Free Number:
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at
www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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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.
Winnipeg
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.
Previously announced:
Southeastern
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.
