Municipal Recreation and Library Fund
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the municipal recreation fund?
- How can municipalities apply for funding?
- Can communities under the jurisdiction of Manitoba aboriginal and northern affairs apply?
- What can these funds be used for?
- Can municipalities apply jointly for a regional project?
- Is there a maximum funding amount? Are municipalities required to provide cost-shared funding?
- Can municipalities receive funding for projects funded under other provincial programs?
- Is there a deadline for applications?
1. What is the municipal recreation fund?
The Province of Manitoba has announced an extension of the Rural / Northern Municipal Recreation Fund.
This will provide $9.0M in new provincial funding to enhance and upgrade recreation facilities in rural and northern Manitoba - as part of the Government's commitment to double funding for community-based recreation facilities to over $60 million over 4 years.
This funding is in addition to $7.4 million committed for recreation and library facility projects across Manitoba through Phase 1 of the Municipal Recreation Fund established in 2006.
2. How can municipalities apply for funding?
The second phase of the Municipal Recreation Fund will maintain the same efficient program delivery mechanisms as the current program, using existing provincial grant programs: Community Places and the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
By applying through these existing programs, your application will automatically be considered for funding under the Municipal Recreation Fund. If you have already applied for funding from one of these programs, you don't have to apply again, but should contact the respective program to provide an update on the status of your project. New applications can also be submitted to either of these programs.
3. Can communities under the jurisdiction of manitoba aboriginal and northern affairs apply?
Yes, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs communities can also apply for funding.
4. What can these funds be used for?
Generally, eligible projects include construction of / improvements to recreation and wellness facilities, such as recreation centres, community halls, parks, libraries, arenas, pools, etc. Project eligibility is based on existing MRIF and Community Places program guidelines.
5. Can municipalities apply jointly for a regional project?
Yes, partnerships with other municipalities and organizations are encouraged for projects that will have a regional benefit.
6. Is there a maximum funding amount? Are municipalities required to provide cost-shared funding?
Projects of any size will be considered and funding will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account proposed municipal contributions and other funding sources. Strong financial support from the sponsoring municipality will be considered favourably in the review of proposed projects.
7. Can municipalities receive funding for projects funded under other provincial programs?
Yes, municipalities can receive funding for projects from the Municipal Recreation Fund if they are receiving funding from other provincial programs.
These funds can be used to top up other provincial funding but cannot be used to replace the expected municipal contribution under provincial programs.
8. Is there a deadline for applications?
Applications already submitted to either program will automatically be considered for funding under the Municipal Recreation Fund.
The Community Places program has a single intake period for new applications each year. Applications are available starting in November and the deadline for submitting applications is February 15th. Project planning assistance is available through the Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport office in your region. For additional information, including application forms, please visit the Community Places program website at https://www.gov.mb.ca/chc/grants.
If you are considering applying under MRIF, please contact the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat toll-free at 1-800-268-4883.
