Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan Invests in Recreation Projects in West Winnipeg

September 11, 2013

Province Providing over %520,000 for Local Projects: Lemieux

The provincial government is investing in infrastructure in west Winnipeg that will renew and revitalize many popular recreation facilities and create green spaces for local families, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

“The Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program was created for projects that will provide long-term, recreational and wellness benefits for communities,” said Lemieux.  “Renewing, upgrading and improving our community infrastructure will extend the use of public facilities, add important recreational sites and improve accessibility so more people can enjoy the health and social aspects of group sports.”

The province is providing funding to replace the roof at theWestwood Community Church and to the St. James Village Business Improvement Zone to create a walking corridor on the north side of Portage Avenue. The project will include plazas, trees and seating benches which will accommodate annual planting and bushes.

Other organizations in west Winnipeg receiving funding include:

• Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre – replacing flooring in dressing room;
• Bord-Aire Community Centre – resurfacing of rink;
• Valour Community Centre – installing outdoor basketball court;
• Valour Community Centre (VCC) – upgrading VCC Isaac Brock interior;
• The Broadway Neighbourhood Centre – upgrading kitchen/bathroom;
• Deer Lodge Community Centre – replacing ballast light fixtures with lens covers/cages and  replacing ceiling fans;
• The Governing Council of the Salvation Army in Canada – replacing and renovating Shier Hall floor;
• University of Winnipeg Students Association – redeveloping outdoor play area into a natural playscape;
• Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club – upgrading accessibility;
• The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, Assiniboia Unit #283 – purchasing new tables that provide wheelchair access;
• Lions Club of Winnipeg Senior Citizens Home – renovating Harvey Hall Courtyard;
• Crestview Park Day Nursery – creating outdoor play space;
• Crossways in Common – building envelope repairs;
• Discovery Children’s Centre – redeveloping outdoor space;
• Villa Rosa – building repairs;
• Assiniboine Children’s Centre – upgrading kitchen;
• Winnipeg Art Gallery – repairing potable water fire protection system; and
• Horizons Children’s Centre – constructing infant room loft.

Lemieux noted Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan committed $7.5 million over the next three years for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program.

The first application intake for the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program began on May 22 making grants available for projects such as libraries, swimming pools and splash pads, parks, trails, community centres, sports facilities including arenas and gymnasiums, as well as other community infrastructure facilities.  The first application intake has closed and details on the next intake will be announced on the program’s website.

For more information about the Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program (WCIP), go towww.gov.mb.ca/ia/wcip/index.html.

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