Manitoba communities can once again apply for grants to improve their recreational and wellness facilities through the Community Places Program. This announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger.
The premier made the announcement while touring the Care-A-Lot For Tots daycare’s new play structure, built with $10,000 in support from the provincial government program.
“Along with supporting a variety of non-profit community organizations’ facilities such as the upgrading of seniors centres and recreational sporting facilities, Community Places grants revitalize and bring employment to communities throughout the province,” said Selinger. “These investments keep public facilities and recreational sites in good condition so they can serve communities in the future.”
The Community Places Program provides funding and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations for facility construction, upgrading, expansion or acquisition projects. Eligible projects are those that provide sustainable recreation and wellness benefits to communities.
Eligible projects can receive up to 50 per cent of the first $15,000 of total project costs and up to one third of costs over that amount. The maximum grant is $50,000. Applicants must contribute to project costs by providing additional resources from local fundraising, grants from local governments and other sources, or donated labour and materials.
Examples of Community Places Program projects approved in 2013 include:
- a gymnasium expansion project for the Queenston School advisory council;
- a minor/senior ball diamond retrofit for the Neepawa Minor Baseball Association;
- a year-round washroom facility at Assiniboine Park’s Lyric Theatre for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy;
- a relocation and renovation of the Boissevain and Morton Regional Library;
- a roof renovation for the Poplarfield Community Centre;
- a playground expansion for the Fisher Branch Care-A-Lot for Tots daycare;
- a playground for the city of Steinbach; and
- a roof replacement for the Emerson Co-operative Community Centre.
Since its inception, Community Places has provided more than $107.4 million in grants to support 7,056 community construction projects provincewide. These grants have leveraged an estimated $691.6 million in infrastructure improvements in both rural and urban communities. Community Places has provided funding and planning assistance for 11,200 applicants from non profit community organizations.
To receive a grant application or for more information, contact the Community Places Program office by telephone at 204-945 0502 in Winnipeg or 1-800-894-3777 (toll-free), by email at mcpp@gov.mb.ca or on the website. Grant applications are now being accepted until Dec. 15.
