September 21, 2009
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Thanks to funding from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels of Government, Manitobans will soon have nine new recreational infrastructure projects.
Today, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Member of the Legislative Assembly for La Verendrye, and Mayor Sam Katz, City of Winnipeg, announced funding for projects that will create jobs in Winnipeg and several rural Manitoba communities.
“ Improving recreational facilities is great for our communities and our economy. These investments, part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, will help stimulate the economy, enhance local facilities and services, and contribute to the health and quality of life of citizens across Manitoba, ” said Minister Toews.
“ Investments in Manitoba's recreational infrastructure are creating jobs, improving the quality of programs these facilities offer, and helping Manitobans live active healthy lives, ” said Minister Lemieux. “ I'm pleased that today we are announcing improvements for a wide variety of projects that reach out to many communities. ”
The total cost of the projects is $5,667,003. Funding of $783,916 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Province is providing $2,154,880 and municipal governments are providing a total of $2,497,000.
The projects announced today range in scope from community centre re-development in Winnipeg, to restoration of a park in northern Manitoba, to arena renovations in several Manitoba communities.
" Funding recreational infrastructure projects for our community centres across the City of Winnipeg is one of the greatest investments we can ever make to provide growing and learning opportunities for our families and young people, " said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz. " Since 2004, City Council has made it a priority to reinvest in our long-neglected community centres. I am very pleased that along with contributions from our Federal and Provincial partners, the City of Winnipeg continues to demonstrate our dedication to invest in safe and healthy community centres for all Winnipeggers to enjoy. "
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Today's announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province's roads, schools, health facilities and water treatment facilities.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information.
For more information, contact:
Gabriela Klimes
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204 983-6243
Jodee Zamrykut
Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
Telephone: 204 945-1494
Carmen Barnett
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
Telephone: 204 986-5569
WD Toll-Free Number :1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY) : 1 877 303-3388
Website : WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca .
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* Totals do not add up because of additional funding sources.
Sinclair Park Community Centre - Winnipeg
Redevelopment of the Sinclair Park Community Centre by building an energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive new multi-purpose facility that is LEED Silver certified. The existing building will be demolished except for the basement and older gym, which will be reconfigured into office space, a meeting room and a multi-purpose room that will be primarily used for youth drop-in programs. The new facility will include a regulation-size gym, change rooms, kitchen, and support space.
Ralph Brown Community Centre - Winnipeg
Improvements to the Ralph Brown Community Centre, which includes demolishing the existing kitchen area; expanding the kitchen area; installing a triple sink, and commercial dishwasher, fridge, and gas stove; upgrading the ventilation and fire safety systems; and upgrading the electrical plumbing systems.
Norquay Community Centre - Winnipeg
Renovations to the Norquay Community Centre including installation of new play structures to serve pre-school age children in Winnipeg's high-needs inner city. Related amenities include benches, a pathway and lighting.
Transcona Nationals Football Club Playing Field - Winnipeg
Rehabilitation of the Transcona Nationals Football Club playing field including excavation, removal and grading of athletic fields.
Edward Sports Centre - Pierson
Renovations to the Edward Sports Centre ice arena including painting walls and bleachers as well as removing and replacing the existing ice board system and glass.
Wawanesa Recreation Centre - Wawanesa
Rehabilitation of the Wawanesa Recreation Centre in Wawanesa, Manitoba, including the transformation of the former equipment room into a players' dressing room, the existing zamboni room into an equipment room as well as the replacement of stairs and seats in seating area.
Hazelridge Sports Complex – Rural Municipality of Springfield
Construction of a heated spectator viewing area for rink activities, energy retrofitting to make the complex energy efficient and an upgraded ice plant.
Garden Hill Arena – Garden Hill
Renovations to the Garden Hill Arena including repairs and/or replacement of stucco, drywall, glass on boards and bleacher railings, exit lighting, emergency lighting, windows, exterior doors, electrical system, walls, as well as the plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Channing Beach - City of Flin Flon
Restoration of Channing Beach and Jones Square Park by clearing the area from the undergrowth and trash, and replacing the playground equipment and dock.
