May 31, 2005
SELKIRK—Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson was here today to officially launch the Rural Green Team’s summer program.
“The Manitoba government supports community development projects that strengthen urban and rural economies, build ties and increase recreation and learning resources for area residents,” Bjornson said. “Green Team programs provide youth employment opportunities each summer that mean many youth can spend their summers near home with family and friends while working on important community projects.”
The $1.85-million Rural Green Team program includes two components: Hometown Green Team which hires youth for priority projects that benefit communities, and Conservation Green Team, which hires youth to work in provincial parks and nature areas.
This year, rural youth between the ages of 16 and 24 will work for community organizations, northern community councils, conservation districts and non-profit organizations.
Students employed under the Hometown component of the program will work on a variety of projects such as day camps for children and youth, developing recreation activities and community beautification. Those working under the Conservation Green Team component will work in provincial parks and offices throughout rural Manitoba on park maintenance, resource and environmental management, tourism and community development.
Organizations such as the City of Selkirk Crime Prevention Council will use funding to provide free home-safety audits to local residents to reduce vandalism and thefts. The Brokenhead River Recreation District Commission will hire youth to improve local sport facilities and operate week-long day camps for children, while the City of Flin Flon will offer youth recreation camps and educational tours as well as mini-sport camps.
“The Hometown and Conservation components of the Rural Green Team offer major benefits to Manitoba communities in all regions of the province,” Bjornson said. “The impact of these summer employment programs is enjoyed by communities and visitors to public parks and campgrounds each year and the effects are felt year-round in cities and towns that have benefited under the program.”
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Hometown Green Team
Highlighted Projects 2005
|
Organization |
Project Description |
Allocated Funding ($) |
Area |
| Brokenhead River Recreation District Commission | Providing a series of sport-oriented week-long day camps for local youth and improving local sport facilities. |
3,437 |
Eastern |
| Central Council of Community Centres | Operating a drop-in centre/activity centre for local youth with a special focus on social skill development. |
2,306 |
Western |
| Cross Lake Community Council | Developing recreational activities for local youth, assisting in the planning and implementation of annual family camp, and beautifying the community. |
4,134 |
Northern |
| Ethelbert Recreation Commission | Co-ordinating the activities of the local children’s play group and Canada Day events and beautifying public recreation areas. |
2,384 |
Parklands |
| City of Flin Flon | Implementing youth recreation programs including educational tours and mini-sports camps. |
2,306 |
Northern |
| Harvest Moon Society | Assisting with the design of composting and vermiculture programs and promotional materials. |
880 |
Central |
| City of Selkirk Crime Prevention Council | Providing free home-safety audits to local residents to reduce vandalism and thefts. |
1,950 |
Interlake |
| Snow Lake Mining Museum and Tourist Booth | Conducting tours of local exhibits while providing tourist information to visitors regarding local history. |
975 |
Northern |
| Thompson Zoological Society | Providing tours of the Thompson zoo while also enhancing grounds and animal enclosures. |
1,465 |
Northern |
| Valley Recreation District | Operating youth day camps and after-school programs, focusing on sports, environmental awareness and community appreciation. |
3,944 |
Western |
|
HOMETOWN GREEN TEAM - 2005 |
|||
| Total Funds Allocated: | $ 543,400.10 | ||
|
FUNDS ALLOCATED BY AREA |
% OF TOTAL FUNDS ALLOCATED |
||
| Central | $ 109,970.50 |
20% |
|
| Eastern | $ 61,571.50 |
11% |
|
| Interlake | $ 73,082.60 |
13% |
|
| Northern | $ 71,526.00 |
13% |
|
| Parklands | $ 72,246.00 |
13% |
|
| Western | $ 155,003.50 |
29% |
|