Winnipeg, MB - Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, announced support to revitalize the St. Norbert Community Park and Farmers’ Market under the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
“I am pleased to see Winnipeg benefit from our Government’s commitment to renew and improve community infrastructure,” said Minister Yelich. “Our investment in the St. Norbert Community Park and Farmers’ Market will upgrade a tremendous local asset while contributing to the community’s growth and prosperity.”
The Government of Canada’s investment of over $250,000 will enhance the experience of participants and visitors to the St. Norbert Community Park and Farmers’ Market and while creating economic opportunities locally. Under the project, improvements will be made to the market entry, park access, and pathways. In addition to landscaping, the seating will be replaced and the floor in the market area will be upgraded.
“As one of the largest and best known markets in Manitoba, attracting more than 150,000 visitors during the season, the St. Norbert Community Park and Farmers’ Market is an important part of community life,” said MP Bruinooge. “I am pleased to see our Government investing in projects such as this, which will leave a lasting legacy of modernized community facilities for future generations.”
This $500,898 project will also see investments by the City of Winnipeg, community groups and the St. Norbert Foundation.
"The St. Norbert Farmers Market showcases the best of the best of products that are made, baked or grown by local vendors, and has become a favourite destination for families and out-of-town visitors," said Mayor Sam Katz. "We are pleased to contribute $121,300 towards this project so that this wonderful venue can thrive for many years to come.”
“This showcase project highlights how the use of sustainable water management best practices can be incorporated into the planning and design of public community facilities,” said Bob Roehle, President of the St. Norbert Foundation and spokesperson for the participants of the St. Norbert Water Stewardship Coalition. By embracing our water challenges and applying innovate water stewardship techniques - we are able to significantly improve St. Norbert’s community park and Farmers’ Market. These improvements will have a positive impact on the quality of life for St. Norbert residents and visitors to the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market."
In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada 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 Government of Canada, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneur pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.