The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Together the Governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $82 million in cleaner air, safer water and improved quality of life for Manitoba communities through a new infrastructure agreement. The two governments will each provide one-third of the cost of local infrastructure projects, while local governments will fund the remaining one-third cost of their approved projects. These investments will be made through the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Programs and funded under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). "With this new agreement Manitoba's communities will now have access to additional resources to improve our province's infrastructure," said the Honourable Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade. "As we continue the successful partnerships we have developed with the federal and municipal governments we're working together for a sustainable future." "The Government of Canada, in partnership with the province of Manitoba, has been managing infrastructure projects for ten years, setting an excellent example for the rest of the country," said the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Manitoba. "This collaboration delivers improvements in sustainable infrastructure that are necessary to the success of communities across the country and here in Manitoba." "Manitobans want their communities to be great places in which to live," said the Honourable John Godfrey, Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities). "We are doing our part in making these communities sustainable and improving the quality of life for Canadians. This agreement is very much part of our government's New Deal for Manitoba cities and communities." At least 40 per cent of the funding will support "green" projects, in areas such as water, wastewater, solid waste, environmental energy and public transit improvements. The agreement also provides for investment in other categories such as local roads, broadband connectivity, and cultural, recreational and tourism projects. All Manitoba local governments, non-profit and private sectors may apply for support for local infrastructure projects. A consultative committee, including members from the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) and the Northern Association of Community Councils (NACC), will review applications from across Manitoba and make funding recommendations. "The AMM believes these funds will enable significant improvements to Manitoba's municipal infrastructure," said Ron Bell, President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). "We also welcome the continued focus on municipal partnerships in terms of project selection, since municipal governments are in the best position to determine the needs and priorities of their communities." "Many communities in northern Manitoba continue working towards improving basic infrastructure such as drinking water, wastewater and other quality of life issues," said Reg Meade, President of the Northern Association of Community Councils. "The MRIF funding announced is welcome news and will certainly assist us in addressing these challenges in an ongoing spirit of cooperation among all levels of government." Through the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Government of Canada will invest $1 billion in priority infrastructure projects across Canada - particularly in smaller communities. The Fund builds on the success and lessons learned from previous programs, especially the $2.05 billion Infrastructure Canada Program and complements programs such as the $4-billion Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund, which addresses larger infrastructure needs, primarily in urban areas. Applicants will be invited to submit an application on-line as of December 20, 2004. In addition, the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat will mail the application form on interactive CD-ROMs to all Manitoba local governments. Paper applications will be available upon request through the Secretariat by calling at (204) 945-1906 or toll-free at 1-800-268-4883. The Secretariat can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. The Need The need for this fund is clear. Municipal leaders consistently identify infrastructure as their most pressing issue. Many municipalities must repair or replace roads, water and sewage systems that were put in place decades ago. In high-growth areas, transportation routes are growing congested and municipal services are straining to keep up with demand. Through MRIF and other infrastructure programs, the Governments of Canada and Manitoba enable municipalities to undertake infrastructure enhancements that otherwise might remain stalled for years. Cleaner air and water The MRIF includes a strong "green" element. At least 40 per cent of the fund will support projects that lead to cleaner air and water. These can include improvements to local systems for water, wastewater, solid waste, and environmental energy improvements to municipal buildings. Public transit projects also count as "green," as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars. The fund also provides for investment in other categories such as local roads, better Internet connections, and projects that promote local culture, recreation and tourism. 12/29/2004
