Residents in remote northern Manitoba communities will benefit from new and upgraded recreational and community facilities with financial help from the province’s Community Places Program - North.
“Sports and recreation are vital for healthy families and healthy communities,” said Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson. “Modern facilities help provide kids and families with opportunities to learn physical and social skills, have fun and build community spirit.”
Among the projects receiving funds are:
• $60,000 for upgrades to the soccer pitch for Moose Lake Community Council;
• $60,000 for development of a school playground for the Northlands Denesuline First Nation in Lac Brochet;
• $60,000 for renovations to the arena on the Garden Hill First Nation;
• $50,000 for renovations to the arena/youth centre on the Poplar River First Nation; and
• $75,000 for renovations to the arena on the York Factory First Nation.
“When there are good quality facilities where families and friends can meet and where children can engage in organized sports, the entire community benefits,” Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson said. “These are communities with pride, with healthy kids and strong family ties.”
Under the Community Places Program - North, organizations in northern and remote communities can apply for 100 per cent of their project costs up to a maximum of $75,000.
Sixteen grants have been approved for 2014 throughout the north for a total of $682,492 in funding.
“It’s challenging for families to stay active in remote communities, especially when proper facilities are not available,” said Chief Clifford Bruce, Poplar River First Nation. “This program will help bring our arena up to standard so families and friends can remain active year round and stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.”
Eligible projects include those that provide sustainable recreation and wellness benefits to communities.
Eligible applicants include northern and remote communities north of the 53rd parallel, excluding The Pas, Flin Flon and Thompson, or those only accessible by vehicle via the winter ice-road system.
The Pas, Flin Flon and Thompson are eligible for funding under a different program.
– Compiled from a Government of Manitoba news release
