The Communities Component of the Building Canada infrastructure plan is now open for business in Manitoba. Communities with a population of less than 100,000 can now apply for funding for their important public infrastructure projects, getting work underway as soon as this year’s construction season begins.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Vic Toews, President of Treasury Board, on behalf of John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, along with Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Minister, the Honourable Ron Lemieux.
“Our Government is committed to helping communities tackle their infrastructure challenges,” said Minister Toews. “With these investments we are delivering results for communities, stimulating our economy and creating a better future for our province and our country.”
“Our government strongly believes that investing in our economy by means of infrastructure enhancements is the best way to promote economic development within communities and the funds now available because of this partnership will help communities flourish,” said Minister Lemieux. “I encourage communities to take advantage of this funding and look forward to the positive additions it will bring to many Manitobans.”
Communities can access information on the fund and guidelines on how to apply for funding at www.infrastructure.mb.ca. All 17 categories of infrastructure in the Building Canada plan are eligible for the first intake: drinking water,waste water, public transit, green energy, disaster mitigation, solid waste management, culture, sport, connectivity, local roads, the Core National Highway System, short-sea shipping, shortline railways, local and regional airports, tourism, and brownfield redevelopment. Capacity building projects can also be supported through this fund. Projects will be evaluated by a federal-provincial committee through a competitive application-based process. The deadline for applications is February 23, 2009.
Under the Communities Component, the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba are each contributing $41 million to this fund. With matching contributions from municipalities, a total of $123 million will be available under the Communities Component for public infrastructure projects in small municipalities.
Through its unprecedented Building Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is providing long-term, stable and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure needs across Canada.
For more information on the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
