March 05, 2001
The Manitoba government's Neighbourhoods Alive! initiative is investing $296,600 in eight Winnipeg programs in the areas of housing, recreation, neighbourhood renewal and alternatives for youth at risk, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen announced today.
"These programs provide community-based solutions to issues that not only affect individual neighbourhoods, but affect the health of the entire city of Winnipeg," Friesen said. "By building healthy neighbourhoods and providing people with opportunities for the future, we are helping to build a strong, successful Winnipeg."
Friesen made the announcement today at the Andrews Street Family Centre, location of the Youth Leadership Development Initiative, a program that provides area youth with a viable alternative to street life and gang activity. The program is one of eight receiving funding today (see attached list).
Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports and encourages community-driven revitalization efforts in specific neighbourhoods in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. The strategy focuses on key areas such as housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, and safety, and crime prevention.
"Neighbourhoods Alive! seeks out the best ideas for revitalization from the community itself," said Friesen, the lead minister for Neighbourhoods Alive! "We work with residents, community groups, local organizations and other levels of government to support their ideas and target funding to the neighbourhood's most important needs."
A key component of Neighbourhoods Alive! is the $2 million Neighbourhood Renewal Fund which provides financial support to community organizations for local planning, enhancement projects, economic development and community support programs.
Manitoba Family Services and Housing, in partnership with Neighbourhoods Alive!, has also committed $8 million over four years to the Winnipeg Housing Initiative, a tripartite agreement with the city and federal government to provide community organizations with single window access to housing assistance.
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DETAILS OF PROJECTS.
PROJECTS
Up to $100,000 will be provided to implement the Crossways in Common community centre's basement renovation project. This renovation will create space to serve programming needs in nutrition, education and recreation for residents of West Broadway, and will be provided by Higher Opportunity Learning for People through Education (HOPE), West Broadway Community Services and West Broadway Youth Outreach. Crossways in Common has established a building committee that will be responsible for the renovations. The programming will be the responsibility of the sponsoring organizations.
Project funding of up to $40,000 will be provided to implement necessary renovations and expansion of the existing child care centre to meet government regulations. The basement washrooms will be converted into children's washrooms and washrooms for the congregation will be installed in the inside corners of the sanctuary upstairs. The day-care area will include upgrading to make the facility wheelchair accessible. This project will enable the child care centre to meet the increasing demands as they now have a growing waiting list.
Project funding of up to $3,200 for this project is to be administered through the West Broadway Renewal Corporation. The Art City Enhancement project will undertake to enhance the exterior façade of the Art City building and entranceway with individualized tiles created by neighbourhood youth with the help of a professional artist. Improvements will also be made to the building's exterior door and window.
Project funding in the amount up to $4,100 will be provided to cover the production and distribution costs of two issues (winter 2000 and spring 2001) of the Broadway Broadcaster, a community-based newspaper in the West Broadway neighbourhood. The newspaper provides news about community issues and resources and gives an opportunity for residents to build their skills and confidence through participation in the writing, layout and distribution of the Broadway Broadcaster.
Total funding of $75,000 will be provided for the Youth Leadership Development Initiative, to be administered through the Andrews Street Family Centre. The initiative will provide youth in the William Whyte neighbourhood with a viable alternative to street life and gang activity through the development of recreational activities/employment opportunities. The initiative will involve the following project activities:
Project funding of up to $42,600 will be provided to implement the preparation, implementation and co-ordination of a community housing plan. This plan will emphasize the neighbourhoods of William Whyte, Lord Selkirk Park and North Point Douglas and work in conjunction with the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative to develop sustainable housing strategies.
The project will include the development of a housing database, a housing network, sustainable business plans, as well as technical assistance such as a SWOT analysis to community housing groups. The project will involve hiring a full-time housing co-ordinator and administrative items, such as part-time clerical support and office expenses.
Project funding of up to $2,700 will be provided to implement the Spence Neighbourhood organization project. The project is the initiation of a community development process, including four community events focused on discussions regarding the Spence Revitalization Strategy and developing a model for working together towards its implementation.
A total funding contribution of $29,000 will be provided for the renovation and expansion of the Day Nursery Centre (Gretta Brown Unit) located at 338 Flora Ave. in the Lord Selkirk Park neighbourhood.
The project involves the addition of a two-level wing to the east side of the existing facility. The upper level expansion will meet space needs for the physical muscle development of FAS/FAE affected children, as well as a toy storage area and resource library for the Early Start home visitor program. When not in use, it will also be available for community meeting needs. The lower level expansion will provide storage space for outdoor equipment and for staff resources.
The project also includes renovation and repair to the existing 30-year old facility:
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