Strategic infrastructure priorities for Winnipeg realigned
WINNIPEG - APRIL 22, 2005 - Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, the Honourable John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities), and City of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz announced today a renewed agreement in principle for Manitoba's strategic infrastructure priorities.
Through this agreement in principle, the Government of Canada will now focus the remainder of its share of the funding jointly announced last March, up to $42 million, to strategic improvements to the City of Winnipeg's wastewater treatment system. The Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg have also reaffirmed their original commitments to this important project.
Together, the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg have already committed $44 million in funding to the Kenaston Underpass project.
In addition, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg have agreed in principle to provide up to $43 million in funding, to the City's strategic community enhancements. This realignment of Provincial and City funding was facilitated by the Government of Canada's agreement in respect of the Winnipeg wastewater treatment project.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be supporting improvements to Winnipeg's wastewater treatment system. Investing in our communities today is an investment in our future," said Minister Alcock. "We want our communities to be the best in the world. The Government of Canada has a role to play in developing this vision and we are ready to do our part by working together in partnerships with all orders of government to implement local solutions to locally identified needs," added Alcock.
"We have been able to work together creatively to come to an agreement that will enhance our recreation facilities and parks, and this is great news for Winnipeg," Premier Doer said. "This is about building our communities, and today's announcement adds nicely to our earlier agreements on such priority projects as upgrading the city's wastewater system and constructing the Kenaston underpass. We are pleased to work with our federal and city partners to address these important infrastructure initiatives."
"Supporting our cities and communities through the Government of Canada's New Deal is not just about money -- it is about all governments working together to foster sustainable communities: environmentally, culturally, socially and economically," said Minister Godfrey. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, and working together to support locally identified needs."
"This plan will provide major financial support to a key infrastructure priority for the city of Winnipeg and its citizens, while freeing resources for investment in community and recreation facilities," said Mayor Katz. "This is an outstanding example of a combined effort from all levels of government paying off for the families who live and work in Winnipeg."
The Government of Canada will work with the Government of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg on the City's wastewater treatment project to evaluate and finalize the project details for funding. The project will be subject to meeting applicable federal and provincial requirements, including the completion of an environmental assessment.
Last update: 25.04.2005
* Top of Page
