Today, Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood —Transcona, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Elmwood Giants Baseball Club under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“I am proud to see the Elmwood Giants benefit from our Government’s support for local infrastructure,
” said MP Toet. “The Giants have a long and proud history in this community and this investment will help create jobs, growth and will support the prosperity of this organization for many years to come.
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The Harper Government’s investment of $127,063 will allow the Elmwood Giants Baseball Club to replace the announcing booth, stands, press box, and storage at its baseball field. The Elmwood Giants Baseball Club operates four of its own baseball teams and makes its field available to other local teams. This upgrade will allow the Club to host national and international events.
“On behalf of the Elmwood Giants Baseball Club, I would like to thank Western Economic Diversification for considering our project worthwhile and in particular, MP Lawrence Toet,
” said Al Kinley, Elmwood Giants Baseball Club. “Baseball has been played on Giants Field for over 100 years and this site has hosted tournaments, city and provincial championships, and the Western Canadian Championships. This funding will upgrade off-field amenities and allow us to attract events such as the Canadian Championships and be a part of Winnipeg’s bid to host the Canada Summer Games in 2017.
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Through the Community Incentive Grant Program, the City of Winnipeg is anticipating contributing an additional $50,000 to this project. The funding is expected to be approved at East Kildonan—Transcona Community Committee meeting on February 26, 2013.
“The City is pleased to partner in this project to see this well-used field revitalized,
” said Mayor Sam Katz. “These renovations will draw even more tournaments and activities to the area and create a baseball hub in the east end of our City.
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In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.
Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
