On Thursday, December 12, MLA Ron Schuler announced a series of grants to help the local communities augment and improve their parks and greenspaces. The total investment by the provincial government equals $220,000, made possible through the Building Sustainable Communities Program.
The Town of Niverville has been awarded a grant of up to $74,446 for the Hespeler Park playground. Additionally, Niverville Youth Baseball will receive a grant of up to $29,803 to improve the Hespeler Park baseball diamonds.
In Ste. Agathe, the Belle Rivière Park Committee is getting a $43,500 boost to use toward the second phase of their project. Earlier in the year, the committee had a fundraiser in which people were given the opportunities to sponsor the planting of trees. Earlier in the year, several park improvements were proposed, including a ninja-style obstacle course, an asphalt bike path, a picnic shelter, and further landscaping.
“Overall, we want the park to offer something for everyone to enjoy for years to come,” said Danielle Robert, a committee member, in the spring. “The changes to the park will positively impact the community as they will improve our local park to become a better gathering place for the community. There will be something for everyone.”
Elsewhere, the Grande Pointe Homeowners Association will receive a grant of up to $75,000 for an addition to their community clubhouse.
“The Building Sustainable Communities Program is having a positive impact across Manitoba,” says Schuler. “The Springfield-Ritchot constituency is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to be part of a government that is making major investments to strengthen the quality of life in our communities.”
Schuler also notes that the Town of Niverville was recently issued their latest payment from the Federal Gas Tax Fund, totalling $124,048. As part of an agreement between the Province of Manitoba and the Government of Canada, these funds are provided to Manitoba municipalities to support productivity and economic growth, a cleaner environment, and stronger communities.