May 10, 2004
STE. ANNE, Manitoba – Manitobans will benefit from a $3.87 million investment in youth, recreation and roads projects throughout rural and northern Manitoba under the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program (CMIP).
The Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Transportation and Government Services, on behalf of the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade, and Raymond Simard, MP for Saint Boniface, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, made the announcement today in Ste. Anne.
Recreation projects in Matheson Island, Crane River, Portage la Prairie, Swan River and the Rural Municipalities of North Cypress, Roblin, Woodlands and Rosser are receiving funding, as are tourism-related projects in the RMs of Lorne and Montcalm. CMIP will also contribute to the construction of an access route to the local acute care facility in Ste. Anne and the structural repairs and mould remediation of dormitory buildings at the International Peace Garden on the Canada-U.S. border.
“All of the projects we are announcing today will in some way improve the lives of rural Manitobans, especially when recreation centre improvements are the target of our funding,” said Lemieux. “Here in Ste. Anne the road and bridge will allow residents to access the acute care facility and other locations across the river more readily.”
“Health, fitness and access to essential services make up part of the quality infrastructure that is the backbone of a sustainable community capable of long-term economic growth and development,” said Simard. “Through collaborative efforts with the provincial and local governments, the Government of Canada is pleased to be addressing the infrastructure needs unique to each community.”
Funding approved for each project will be cost-shared equally among the governments of Canada, Manitoba and each community or project proponent.
On October 11, 2000 the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a new Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program, bringing over $180 million in infrastructure opportunities to Manitoba. All projects are subject to federal and provincial environmental processes before final approval is granted. Federal funding was provided for in the March 2004 budget.
While the primary focus of the program is green municipal infrastructure, other local infrastructure is eligible for funding under the program’s secondary focus. This includes cultural and recreational projects, transportation, tourism, rural and remote telecommunications, high-speed Internet access for public institutions, and affordable housing.
More than 175 projects have been announced representing an investment of over $175 million in Manitoba. For information on projects previously announced, visit the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program Web site at: http://www.infrastructure.mb.ca.
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Backgrounder
Interlake
RM of Woodlands/RM of Rosser - South Interlake Recreation Centre Arena $794,700
The construction of a new arena in the Village of Warren will provide a facility for year-round recreational activities for the residents of the RM of Woodlands and Rosser. This arena will replace the 44-year-old facility that has structurally reached the end of its life cycle.
Matheson Island Community Council - Facility Enhancement $60,000
Community facilities will be expanded to include a skateboard facility to provide local youth with recreational activities.
Northern
Crane River Rodeo Club/Crane River Community Council – $90,000
Recreation Centre Enhancement
This project will enhance the skating rink and recreational facilities in the community of Crane River.
North Central
Portage Neighbourhood Connections Inc./Youth Recreation $150,000
and Family Centre Facility Enhancement
The Youth Recreation and Family Centre in Portage la Prairie will be enhanced through the development of a new venue offering youth and family leisure activities that will feature skateboarding, in-line skating, wall climbing, as well as a family community centre.
Parkland
Town of Swan River Community Recreation Complex – Facility Upgrade $900,000
Deficiencies in the arena floor and boards of the Swan River Arena will be addressed to provide a safe and reliable recreational facility for the residents of the Town of Swan River and surrounding communities.
South Central
RM Lorne/Round Table of Saint-Léon – Salamander Interpretative Centre $150,000
The Rural Municipality of Lorne will build an interactive interpretative centre on the south shore of Saint Léon Lake. The Salamander Interpretative Centre will provide information and activities concerning the Tiger Salamander, the history and culture of the community and the natural and agricultural character of the area.
Village of Cartwright/RM of Roblin – Cartwright/Mather Energy Efficiency $200,000
The Village of Cartwright and the RM of Roblin will install geothermal systems to improve the energy efficiency of Cartwright Hall, Cartwright Rink and Mather Hall. The upgrades will allow for increased usage of these facilities for social and recreational functions by area residents.
RM of Montcalm - Access Road to the Musée Saint-Joseph $75,000
This project will provide residents and visitors access to a unique tourist attraction in the RM of Montcalm. The Musée Saint-Joseph is an authentic pioneers’ village that includes 16 restored buildings dating back to 1850, including a 1901 dairy barn, a blacksmith shop, as well as agricultural machinery from the early 20th century.
South East
Town of Ste. Anne – Bridge and Road to Villa Youville $500,000
A new bridge and road will be built to service town residents to the south of the Seine River and to allow emergency vehicles to access and provide service to residents of Villa Youville, an acute care facility.
South West
Town of Carberry/RM of North Cypress - Carberry Plains Community Centre $200,000
This project will address the urgent need to replace the roof of the Carberry Plains Community Centre. The new steel roof will extend the life of the building, as well as result in cost savings through the use of state-of-the-art insulation.
International Peace Garden – Dormitory repairs $751,000
Hosting thousands of students and visitors to various camps and meeting events every year, the International Peace Garden is a not-for-profit organization promoting peace and friendship between the people of Canada and the United States of America. The dormitory buildings used by camp participants will undergo structural repairs and mould remediation.
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