October 05, 2001

THOMPSON--New school play structures, expanded recreation opportunities for youth and a graffiti removal program are among the Thompson initiatives being funded under Neighbourhoods Alive!, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen announced today.

Neighbourhoods Alive!, a comprehensive, innovative and significant provincial investment in neighbourhoods in need in Thompson, Brandon and Winnipeg, is investing $51,700 in five new programs in Thompson, she said.

"We recognize that the needs and priorities vary from community to community," said Transportation and Government Services Minister Steve Ashton, who made the announcement here on behalf of Friesen. "The Neighbourhoods Alive! funds allocated to Thompson are being used for projects that have been identified and developed by the community as their priorities."

A key component of Neighbourhoods Alive! is the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund which provides financial support to community organizations for local planning, enhancement projects, economic development and community support programs.

The five projects announced today are:

• Thompson Neighbourhoods in Action - Community Consultation
• Juniper School Play Structure Replacement
• Westwood School Play Structure Replacement
• Recreation Opportunities for Youth
• The Community Action Team Graffiti Removal Project

"The province, through our new Northern Development Strategy, is committed to working with northern and Aboriginal communities, non-government organizations, the private sector and other levels of government to build on the existing strengths of communities and to address the needs and priorities of northern citizens. Neighbourhoods Alive! is one piece of our plan to address the distinctive needs of our diverse communities," Ashton said.

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 Thompson, Brandon and Winnipeg.

The strategy encourages efforts in the key areas of housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, and safety and crime prevention.

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Up to $25,000 has been contributed to the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Inc. on behalf of the Thompson Neighbourhoods in Action Steering Committee for a community consultation process. The Thompson Neighbourhoods in Action Steering Committee is a volunteer committee concerned with neighbourhood revitalization in Thompson. The committee will be consulting residents, service providers and business owners in Thompson to determine interest in establishing a community renewal corporation (CRC). A project manager and assistant will be hired to carry out a community consultation process. Through a forum and a series of focus groups, the consultation will determine support for the concept of a CRC and begin to develop a five-year strategic plan.

Up to $12,000 will be provided for the replacement of playground equipment at Juniper School. The new equipment, which will be placed throughout the school site, will provide for a variety of activities encouraging physical activity and social interaction through play.

Up to $7,000 will be provided for the replacement of existing playground equipment at Westwood Elementary School which is inadequate to meet the needs of the school and neighbourhood children. The new equipment will enhance the outdoor play opportunities and improve the safety of the playground for all children in the community of Thompson.

A contribution of $5,700 will be provided for Recreation Opportunities for Youth (ROY) to enhance and continue their current recreational programming and services for the whole community of Thompson and especially for lower income families, teenagers and children. ROY aims to address barriers in accessing user-pay forms of recreational programs, services and opportunities, provide a healthy alternative to anti-social and at-risk behaviours, contribute to a reduction in crime and discrimination, and build connections among neighbourhoods and communities.

The province will contribute up to $2,000 for the implementation of a community beautification project designed to remove gang-related and other graffiti from buildings and fences administered by the Thompson Boys and Girls Club. The project aims to provide education and awareness about youth gangs and gang-related graffiti to both parents and the community. The project is an important crime-deterrent, as regular and frequent removal of graffiti sends a strong message that street gangs are not welcome.