Federal Government Invests in Improvements to Winnipeg's Community Infrastructure

Winnipeg, MB - Today, Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan - St. Paul on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Garden City Community Centre under the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

�Our Government is committed to creating jobs and helping communities across Canada grow and prosper,� said MP Smith. �I am proud of our investment in the Garden City Community Centre, which will enhance the facility and ensure it continues to thrive and serve residents well into the future.�

The Harper Government's investment of $250,375, in addition to a City of Winnipeg investment of $191,650, will allow the Garden City Community Centre to do major renovations to its facility. The project will involve replacing windows, rink boards, player boxes, infield dugouts, and bleachers; resurfacing the outdoor rink; improving drainage at the baseball diamonds; installing a new electronic facility sign; and renovating the entrance and washrooms. The improvements will complement a new arena, which is expected to be built this summer, while contributing to the neighbourhood's long-term prosperity.

"Community centres are the hub of any neighbourhood, and we are happy to see that the federal government is stepping up to help us to revitalize Garden City Community Centre," said Mayor Sam Katz. "This generous contribution is much appreciated at a time when we as a municipal government are coming forward to renew and replace our community centre infrastructure."

�On behalf of the Garden City Community Centre, thank you to the Government of Canada and the City of Winnipeg for your generous contributions towards improvements to our facility,� said Roger Tuk, Board Member and Principal-in-Charge of the project. �The investments will help ensure that our Centre will remain a gathering place for young and old alike while encouraging our children to live a safe and healthy lifestyle.�

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.