June 21, 2002

People who enjoy Brandon's parks and green space are among those who will benefit from four new Neighbourhoods Alive! projects worth $141,500 announced today by Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen.

"The development of affordable housing units is an important and visible result of Neighbourhoods Alive!," said Friesen. "But neighbourhood revitalization is about more than just bricks and mortar. These projects emphasize the development of green space, recreational space and environmental improvements."

Speaking on Friesen's behalf at the announcement in Brandon were Education, Training and Youth Minister Drew Caldwell and Consumer and Corporate Affairs Minister Scott Smith.

"The new park in Brandon's core and improvements to six other parks will improve the quality of life for residents," said Caldwell. "We are blessed with glorious summers and our enjoyment of outdoor pursuits will be enhanced by these projects."

"The rebirth of a contaminated site in downtown Brandon is great news," added Smith. "The resulting potential housing, business and recreational uses for the land will aid Neighbourhoods Alive! plans for core area revitalization."

The four projects announced today will be managed by the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC). "The NRC is proud to facilitate programming in the community that meets specific needs of our individual neighbourhoods," said Mike Abbey, BNRC chair. "The projects announced today address all elements of the NRC strategic plan."

• The Green Space Projects will use a $70,000 contribution to revitalize six existing parks and create one new park within Brandon's core area, addressing the greening and recreation priorities of the BNRC District Strategic plan.
• The First and Pacific Brownfield Project will undertake the initial assessment of the potential for redevelopment of a contaminated site (Brownfield) in central Brandon for recreational, residential and commercial purposes at a cost of $25,000.
• The Betty Gibson School Millennium Adventure Playground will receive $11,500 for a new playground to serve the 250 children in the area.
• The Development Plan Impact Study will review the effects of the overall Brandon and Area District Development Plan on the BNRC district and recommend guidelines for local improvements. A total of $35,000 will fund this project.

A key component of Neighbourhoods Alive! is the $2 million Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, which has allocated $2 million per year toward projects that strengthen designated local communities in Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson. Funds go to neighbourhood organizations for projects that benefit local communities, involve neighbourhoods in their planning and implementation and are supported by Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations.

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