February 15, 2002

BRANDON--Community-based efforts to revitalize Brandon's historic core area are continuing to receive support from the Manitoba government with $147,000 in new funding from Neighbourhoods Alive!, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen has announced.

"Neighbourhoods Alive! recognizes that the needs and priorities in Brandon are different than those in other urban centres," said Friesen.

"By working with Brandon residents, community groups, local organizations, and other levels of government, we can support grassroots efforts that are more likely to succeed in the long term because they are built on local expertise," said Education, Training and Youth Minister Drew Caldwell, speaking here today on behalf of Friesen. "Neighbourhoods Alive! is about showing faith in communities like Brandon and moving away from a 'government-knows-best' attitude."

One of the six projects being supported today is a $30,000 small grants fund, established by the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (NRC). Organizations such as not-for-profit corporations, resident associations and school parent councils can receive a maximum of $5,000 per project. Projects will emphasize connecting core area residents, businesses and service providers, and building the capacity of local organizations.

"By creating a Community Projects Grant, the Brandon NRC will assist community groups by funding projects that foster increased involvement of our citizens," said Mike Abbey, NRC chair. "The grants will assist in developing our mandate of neighbourhood stewardship and ownership in our community."

The Brandon NRC has been a Neighbourhoods Alive! partner since its official launch in June 2000. Brandon NRC includes a wide representation of the Brandon community on its board of directors and has provided leadership in supporting revitalization of Brandon's historic city centre neighbourhoods.

Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports community-driven revitalization efforts in Brandon, Thompson and Winnipeg. In addition to the $30,000 Community Fund, five other projects are also receiving funding today. They include:

A street-scaping and neighbourhood development strategy to give definition to a number of heritage sites in the core area of Brandon. Selected intersections are being enhanced by the installation of benches, nostalgic street lighting, trees and shrubbery, and signage.

Funding for a program supervisor to manage seven physically and mentally challenged youth/young adults who were involved in a 14-week neighbourhood beautification project.

With Neighbourhoods Alive! support, Brandon NRC has established a fund to provide grants to eligible homeowners and landlords for exterior renovations that will enhance the appearance of properties in the NRC area. Improvements to windows, doors, steps, handrails, siding, exterior lighting, landscaping, eaves-troughing, fencing and architectural detail are eligible.

Neighbourhoods Alive! support has also allowed the Brandon NRC to establish a fund for grants to eligible homeowners and landlords for exterior painting enhancements to homes in the city centre neighbourhood.

Funding for a one-year, full-time housing administration position to implement the Brandon Housing Plan. The housing administrator will provide support and assistance to community clients who wish to participate in the RRAP, NHA, FRONT, PAINT, TARGET and HOME programs.

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