March 21, 2003

Community efforts to revitalize Winnipeg's North End will be getting another boost from the province's Neighbourhoods Alive! initiative, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean Friesen announced at the North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) annual meeting last night.

The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund is contributing $100,000 towards the continuation and expansion of the NECRC Small Grants Fund to support community driven ideas.

"Through the Small Grants Fund, the community makes its own decisions on funding for local projects," said Friesen. "Everyone benefits when local residents and other stakeholders are involved in working together to improve their neighbourhoods."

Local resident associations, school parent councils and other community organizations in the William Whyte, Point Douglas and Lord Selkirk Park neighbourhoods will be able to apply directly to NECRC for up to $2,500 per project. Projects must meet criteria that NECRC has developed in partnership with Neighbourhoods Alive! that emphasize connecting local residents and building stronger neighbourhoods.

NECRC Small Grants Fund has already funded projects such as the Children of the Earth High School Pow-Wow, a community garden developed by Hope Centre Health Care and picnic tables for the Norquay Community Centre. Decisions on funding of projects are made by a committee of the NECRC board of directors including resident representatives from each of the three Neighbourhoods Alive! designated neighbourhoods in the North End of Winnipeg.

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 employment and training, education and recreation, safety, crime prevention, housing and physical improvements.

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