FRANCAIS

September 01, 2005

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – If you’ve got plans for recreational improvements for the new, expanded Red River Floodway, Rivers West wants to hear about it.

The not-for-profit organization, which works to develop and promote the Red River Corridor as a destination for tourists, will be kicking off a comprehensive consultation process with recreational stakeholders that will explore plans and possibilities that will aid in the future recreation and greenway development of the Floodway thanks to $175,000 from the Governments of Canada and Manitoba under their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The announcement was made today by Finance Minister Greg Selinger and Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport).

“The floodway improvements are vital to our province as a protective measure,” said Selinger. ”Along with flood protection, this project will help develop important recreational and other uses the community identifies as important for the area.“

“Recreational development along the floodway provides many advantages beyond flood protection, including increased tourism, health and wellness, and economic development for Manitobans,” said Minister Alcock.

Consultations will begin in September in cooperation with the Manitoba Floodway Authority and stakeholders, including recreational users, municipalities and other groups or organizations with an interest in the development along the expanded floodway. The study’s results will be summarized in a report to be completed in the spring of 2006.

Today’s announcement builds on the “Recreation and Economic Development Opportunities Report” issued earlier this year by the Manitoba Floodway Authority that identified potential future recreation opportunities and outlined next steps associated with the Red River Floodway Expansion Project.

In December 2003, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a new four-year Canada-Manitoba Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The two strategic priorities of the agreement are "building our economy" and “sustainable communities."

Together, and in partnership with community stakeholders, Canada and Manitoba are working to strengthen and diversify Manitoba's economy, build on existing economic strengths, enhance the skills of Manitoba's workforce and promote regional development. For more information on this and other projects funded under EPA, visit: http://www.epa.gov.mb.ca.