News Release - Manitoba

March 10, 2008

NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOODS ALIVE! COMMUNITIES DEVELOPING PLANS FOR NEIGHBOURHOODS


Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton today announced the five newest Neighbourhoods Alive! (NA!) communities of Dauphin, Flin Flon, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk and The Pas are now developing plans for revitalizing their older neighbourhoods.
 
“Since being launched in June 2000, Neighbourhoods Alive! neighbourhoods in Thompson, Brandon and Winnipeg have seen significant improvements in housing, green spaces, recreation, safety and well-being through community-led efforts,” said Ashton.  “I look forward to seeing the plans that residents in the five new communities will develop through Neighbourhoods Alive!”
 
Interim advisory committees have now been established in each of the five communities.  The committees involve up to 10 local volunteers including representatives from the municipality, businesses, Aboriginal and community-based organizations, as well as local residents.
 
The committees will consult with their communities about revitalization priorities and develop a five‑year community renewal plan.  They will also assist in identifying initial revitalization priorities and projects.  NA! has also partnered with local community-based organizations in each of the five communities to facilitate the work of the committees. 
 
“We welcome the new committee members and our local partners in the five new Neighbourhoods Alive! communities,” added Ashton.  “Exciting projects will soon be starting as a result of their community engagement efforts.”
 
Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports and encourages community-driven revitalization efforts in neighbourhoods in Thompson, Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin, Flin Flon, Portage, Selkirk and The Pas. The strategy focuses on key areas such as housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, safety and crime prevention.
 
More information on the NA! program is available at www.neighbourhoodsalive.mb.ca.
 
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