May 06, 2002

Recreation programs for children and youth, neighbourhood safety improvements, and community-based business opportunities are among a dozen projects receiving support from Neighbourhoods Alive!, which continues to work with local residents on revitalizing communities like Winnipeg's historic North End.

The 12 projects, receiving a total of $285,000, include five which are located in Point Douglas, where Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen made the announcement today.

"Many community groups are beginning to be rewarded for their considerable efforts. We are seeing neighbourhoods turn the corner and property values rise for the first time in a decade," said Friesen. "When this happens, it not only benefits the families living in those areas, it benefits Winnipeg as a whole by helping to build a stronger capital city."

The projects represent a wide range of projects from enhancement of local playgrounds and community centres, to the establishment of the North End Community Renewal Corporation’s (NECRC) Small Grants Fund, which will allow NECRC to assist community groups with small, local projects.

"Residents in our North End neighbourhoods are involved in their communities, working together to create a healthy place to live, raise families and run businesses," added Friesen. "Neighbourhoods Alive! is about supporting and encouraging these kinds of community-development efforts which seem to make the most difference."

Neighbourhoods Alive! is the province's long-term community, social and economic strategy for designated areas in Manitoba's three largest cities--Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. Through Neighbourhoods Alive!, the province provides funding, support and encouragement for community-driven revitalization efforts dealing with housing, physical improvements, employment and training, education, recreation, safety, crime prevention and other local priorities.

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• North Point Douglas Women's Project -- $62,470 to help the North End Renewal Corporation purchase, renovate and maintain a building to be leased to the project. The women’s’ project has been very active during the past two years developing a range of activities and programs for women and their families in North Point Douglas and has outgrown its space at Norquay School. The new facility, which is in development, should be ready by the fall of this year.
• North End Housing Project -- $30,000 will be provided to the North End Housing Project (NEHP) to assist in their relocation to a 10,000-square-foot warehouse on Jarvis Avenue. NEHP has been very active in developing affordable housing units in the North End of Winnipeg and required additional office, work and storage space in order to scale-up their operation.
• Norquay School playground -- $25,000 will go to Winnipeg School Division No. 1, on behalf of Norquay School and Parent Council, for the construction of a new play structure. The structure is to be installed this summer and will allow for many years of enjoyment by local children.
• Bethlehem Aboriginal Fellowship -- $40,000 will help the fellowship upgrade their facility through the installation of a fire alarm and sprinkler system.
• Take Pride Winnipeg -- $34,000 funds Take Pride for the painting of nine murals in the North End of Winnipeg. This is in addition to the nine murals Neighbourhoods Alive! supported last year on Main Street.
• Norquay Recreation Committee -- $7,980 goes to the committee for a reader board to display community activities from Norquay Community Centre, Norquay School and other community organizations.
• North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) -- $30,000 for NECRC for the establishment of a Small Grants Fund. NECRC, through a committee of local residents, will be able to consider proposals under $5,000 from community organizations such as school parent councils, resident associations and not-for-profit corporations in the William Whyte, Lord Selkirk Park and Point Douglas neighbourhoods. This fund will empower these residents to make decisions on local projects that contribute to building an even greater sense of community.
• Circle of Life Thunderbird House -- $23,050 will assist the Circle of Life Thunderbird House to support community organizing and improvement efforts in South Point Douglas. Businesses, community organizations and residents have been meeting to work towards improved safety and other improvements in their neighbourhood.
• North End Women's Centre -- $22,000 helps fund the centre for the continued development of Up Shoppe. This project has developed a storefront retail operation providing previously worn career clothing for women at very reasonable prices.
• Norway Recreation Centre -- $5,000 will go to the centre for the purchase of transportation services allowing local children and youth the opportunity to participate in recreational events outside of Point Douglas.
• William Whyte tutoring program -- $3,600 will help the William Whyte Community School Parent Council to expand their after-school tutoring program.
• Northern Star Worker Co-op -- $2,000 allowed the co-op to showcase their work at the Alberta Fall Gift Show in Edmonton.