His Worship Mayor Glen Murray, Jean Friesen, Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs and Winnipeg South Centre MP Anita Neville, on behalf of Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie); announced today that $570,000 in funding has been provided for three new projects and work has been completed on one previously announced project valued at $98,000, all under the Neighbourhood Revitalization Program of the WDA.

The three new projects are the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre building expansion, the Lord Selkirk Park/David Livingstone School playground expansion/renovation and the Lord Selkirk Tenants Association tenant management project. The Gretta Brown Day Nursery Centre renovation and expansion project was recently completed.

All four projects are focused in the Lord Selkirk Park area and they are being announced today in the heart of the community on the grounds between David Livingstone School and the Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre.

"By addressing basic human needs such as housing and employment as well as promoting safety and community well-being”, said Mayor Murray, “we can improve the overall quality of living of our residents within targeted neighbourhoods.”

“These improvements are a good fit with our Neighbourhoods Alive! Initiative,” said Jean Friesen. “Community involvement in neighbourhood revitalization is crucial. It's wonderful to see this community work together to achieve their common goals.”

“These projects really are an investment in the future of our communities,” said Anita Neville. “The Government of Canada is pleased to be a part of these efforts to enhance the well-being of Winnipeg residents.”

The Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre 1,500 square foot building expansion project will accommodate the expanding programming and services needs of the neighbourhood. The project will complement existing programs and supports within the community to address issues of family violence, youth justice, community healing, and mediation.

The Lord Selkirk Park /David Livingstone School playground expansion/renovation project will include the development of an Aboriginal theme playground, basketball and tetherball courts, an outdoor games area and a family water play facility.

The Lord Selkirk Tenants Association tenant management project will involve residents in activities and programs, to develop greater ownership of their housing environment. Funding will assist in training the Lord Selkirk Tenants Association in board management, finances and effective communications; and in creating a community development team for project work and resident education. Funding will also assist in furnishing office and meeting space in the housing complex for the Association and their staff.

The Gretta Brown Day Nursery Centre renovation and expansion project was recently completed and included construction of an addition to the centre, new flooring in the existing building, paving of a parking lot, replacement of an air conditioning unit, and general repairs and maintenance items. The additional space will enable the centre to more effectively operate their “Early Start” program that is a unique parenting skills program in Manitoba. In addition, this space will enable the Gretta Brown Unit to more effectively conduct existing ongoing parent workshops, at risk behavior testing, and to host parent/community resource meetings.