WINNIPEG, MB - Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
As part of the Government's Economic Action Plan 2012, Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood-Transcona, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding for the Clara Hughes Recreation Park under the Fund.
"Our Government, through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, is continuing to support communities across Canada, and right here in Elmwood," said MP Toet. "This project will provide families in Elmwood with a safe place to enjoy recreational activities and spend quality time together."
As part of the overall redevelopment plan, $58,500 in federal funding will support the installation of a new play structure and benches in addition to landscaping and surfacing of the play area at the Clara Hughes Recreation Park. The federal funding will complement $72,279 in City of Winnipeg Capital funding dedicated towards the installation of the playground and related site works at this important community site.
"This ongoing partnership with the Government of Canada allows us to provide our communities with recreation opportunities that meet the needs of our youngest and most-active residents," said Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.
In addition to the playground replacement, the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg will invest $600,000 through the Building Communities Initiative, in the overall redevelopment of the site that will include a new entry plaza, skateboard pod and hockey/basketball skills area.
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.