Canada and Manitoba invest over $23 million in 15 culture and recreation infrastructure projects in Manitoba’s rural and northern communities
Brandon: Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and Manitoba during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy and address the needs of all communities, including rural and remote communities, as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments to build and upgrade culture and recreation infrastructure will ensure that Manitobans have access to the services and networks they need to stay connected, share experiences, and build healthy, inclusive, and vibrant communities.
Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency), on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, and the Honourable Cathy Cox, Minister of Sport Culture and Heritage announced funding for 15 culture and recreation infrastructure projects in Manitoba’s rural and northern communities.
In Brandon, funding will go to the construction of an Outdoor Sports Complex, consisting of 10 soccer fields, including one FIFA-size field with lighting and bleachers, additional fields constructed to allow for multiple sport uses like Ultimate Frisbee, a clubhouse with washrooms and change rooms, a maintenance garage and parking, as well as green spaces for events and picnics.
The Dood Cristall Family YMCA will be expanded to include a new fitness studio and functional fitness spaces, to provide capacity for youth programming, including summer camps, and to facilitate additional memberships and community participation. The expansion will also accommodate 34 new childcare spaces.
In Flin Flon, funding will build a new Community Aqua Centre and Recreational Facility to replace the former facility, which was closed in 2020 due to structural concerns. The new energy efficient facility will increase and improve community programs and recreational activities, encouraging residents to swim, train, and stay healthy.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $13.6 million in the 15 projects announced today through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. For projects requiring consultations with Indigenous groups, funding is conditional on consultation requirements being met. The Government of Manitoba is funding over $9.5 million. Project recipients are also contributing approximately $14.6 million towards eligible project costs for their respective projects.