September 1, 2004

RENEWAL OF BRANDON’S CORE AREA CONTINUES

WITH NEIGHBOURHOODS ALIVE! ASSISTANCE

Brandon’s oldest neighbourhoods will soon see more improvements with investments in home renovation, community safety, job training and recreation for youth programs through Manitoba’s Neighbourhoods Alive! Initiative, said Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister Rosann Wowchuk, who announced $167,525 in funding in Brandon today.

“I am pleased to be here at the new Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC) offices at City Hall where the co-operation between the City of Brandon, the BNRC and Neighbourhoods Alive! will continue to show positive results,” said Wowchuk. “Initiatives such as the Home Repair and FRONT and PAINT programs improve a community’s image and encourage residents and visitors to take pride in their surroundings.”

The Home Repair Program is a $21,700 pilot program that provides hands-on skill training, tool safety, reference material and contracting assistance to downtown Brandon residents.

The J.R. Reid Schoolyard Redevelopment Project will transform the current playground into a multi-use recreational area for children and youth with a $13,142 investment. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Westman Region, is receiving $8,395 for its Tool Lending Co-op Program to purchase tools to loan to low-income individuals interested in pursuing employment and work training opportunities.

The BNRC will also receive renewed funding for four projects;

· $20,000 to fund the Brandon housing co-ordinator to continue the co-ordination of housing renewal activities in Brandon’s central neighbourhoods; l

· $50,000 for the small grants fund which allows BNRC to fund individual projects to a maximum of $5,000 per project to support community building and connecting in the core area of Brandon;

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· $24,288 for community development co-ordination to support BNRC's ability to develop a healthy community environment including enhanced safety and cultural awareness; and

· $30,000 for the FRONT and PAINT program which provides grant assistance to homeowners in the BNRC district for exterior painting improvements and renovations to their properties.

"Neighbourhood Alive! supports community developed neighbourhood solutions and targets funding where it is most needed,” added Wowchuk.

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 Brandon, Winnipeg and Thompson. The strategy focuses on key areas such as housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, safety, and crime prevention.

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