The Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba are supporting the International Peace Garden in their efforts to upgrade and maintain existing infrastructure within the garden's grounds. The upgrades will greatly enhance the site and ensure it remains a vibrant and successful tourist destination, thereby increasing revenues within the garden and surrounding region.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, 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; and MLA Bonnie Korzeniowski, on behalf of the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Manitoba Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation.
Through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), $1,461,000 in funding is being provided by the federal and provincial governments and the International Peace Garden.
"Our Government is proud to support this beautiful botanical garden, which is a symbol of international peace, hope and friendship," said Minister Toews. "The International Peace Garden has evolved from its humble beginnings into a truly breath-taking tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the globe."
"This magnificent site has, since 1932, stood as an important sign of friendship and co-operation between Canada, the United States, Manitoba and North Dakota," said MLA Korzeniowski. "However, there has been a need for upgrades and a severe storm last year left a significant amount of damage to this world-renowned location. We are pleased to make important improvements to the International Peace Garden."
The funding will be used to complete extensive work throughout the grounds and includes, but is not limited to: repairing the garden's water treatment plant; upgrading the drainage system and replacing plant material in the Formal Garden; repairing the roof of the retail store and the Peace Chapel; renovating the upper terrace; re-cladding Garden structures; repairing sidewalks, two bridges, and a rest-station kiosk; and resurfacing the Pavilion parking lot and roads within the Garden.
"With the support of this grant, the International Peace Garden will be able to address and refurbish many areas within the garden that require immediate repair," said Doug Hevenor, Peace Garden CEO. "Maintenance will involve buildings, irrigation systems, stone-work, garden areas and signage for interpretation at various locations within the entire garden."
The International Peace Garden attracts about 150,000 visitors annually and is the corner stone of tourism in southwestern Manitoba. The Garden is an important symbol of the peace and friendship between the people of Canada and the United States. It is known globally for its beautiful botanical gardens and its location along the longest, unfortified border in the world. The United States and Canada equally fund the Garden, which is located on 2,400 acres of land donated by Manitoba and North Dakota.
Through MRIF, federal, provincial and local partners are providing matching contributions for a total investment of $145 million to help communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. Of the funds, 80 per cent are 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 are awarded to communities with populations with more than 250,000.
More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects are available at: www.infrastructure.gc.ca and www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
For more information, contact:
Marcus Miller, Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-8778
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-4883
www.infrastructure.mb.ca
John Thorpe, Communications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-4997
www.gov.mb.ca
