Manitoba Government’s $25-Million Provincewide Investment in the Building Sustainable Communities Fund Supports 114 Winnipeg Projects

The Manitoba government is investing over $8 million through the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program to support 114 Winnipeg-based projects that will enhance existing public facilities and spaces and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans, Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today.

“Community-based organizations are vital to creating healthy and thriving neighbourhoods across the province,” said Clarke. “In Budget 2022: Recover Together, we committed to doubling community-based funding for meaningful projects across Manitoba that improve citizens’ quality of life and highlight the life and strengths of our province’s diverse communities. It’s very exciting to see all these much-anticipated plans coming to life.”

Some of the projects in the Winnipeg region include:

• $300,000 to upgrade the field and install artificial turf for the St. Vital Mustangs;
• $300,000 to build a community hub space at the Rainbow Resource Centre;
• $75,000 to create an enhanced outdoor playground for École Dieppe School;
• $37,500 to deliver employment preparation workshops for newcomers at the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute;
• $25,370 to renovate the Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Centre; and
• $12,000 to develop and deliver youth programs for Kidthink Children’s Mental Health Centre.

“We are excited and humbled beyond belief at the thought the BSC grant will allow us to reach our goals in providing programs for our football community,” said Craig Bachynski, president, St. Vital Mustangs Football Club. “Now we see the potential of our dream becoming a reality for our football sport, our St. Vital and St. Norbert community, the city of Winnipeg and the province of Manitoba.”

Overall, the investments allowed Manitoba Municipal Relations to approve more than $25.2 million in funding for 427 projects throughout the province including nearly $12 million for 364 local and regional initiatives and over $13 million for 63 larger-scale projects.

The 2022-23 BSC application intake period closed on Jan. 17.

The BSC program was launched in 2019 to offer municipalities and non-profit organizations a streamlined process to apply for community grants for planning activities, organizational capacity building projects, equipment costs, capital infrastructure and other local or regional initiatives that enhance the sustainability of their community.

Projects can receive up to 50 per cent toward eligible costs, with a maximum grant of $75,000. The BSC program was expanded in 2021-22 to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for larger-scale capital projects, with a maximum grant of $300,000. Approved projects, except for planning activities, are required to contribute a minimum of 10 per cent from non-government sources.

The minister noted these community projects would not be possible without the strong leadership of the municipalities and non-profit organizations, leveraged funding from other public, private and philanthropic sources, and the dedication of local volunteers.

The full list of 427 approved projects is posted at www.gov.mb.ca/mr/bldgcomm/index.html.

For more information on the BSC program, visit https://gov.mb.ca/grants/grant-name.html#b.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: [email protected].
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.

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