Maamawi Park Phase 2 got a huge boost when the list of projects approved under the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program was released, last week.
The toboggan hill/recreational park development planned for the local Dauphin Recreation Services grounds received $300,000 as part of the $25 million set aside to to support 428 community development projects throughout the province.
“Locally developed projects are, by design, tailored to address their community’s specific, unique needs and opportunities,” said Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith. “Our government is pleased to continue supporting community-based projects that foster thriving, sustainable neighbourhoods and improve residents’ quality of life.”
The province’s 2023 budget maintained funding support to the Building Sustainable Communities Program for a total commitment of up to $25 million. This investment was doubled last year to increase support for community projects.
This investment included over $12 million for 368 local and regional initiatives and nearly $13 million for 60 larger-scale capital projects.
“The Building Sustainable Communities Grant has been integral to our process as they committed $300,000 to phase one of the project, which is the hill itself and now has just recently again committed $300,000 to phase two of the project, which will involve pathways, proper lighting and we’re looking at extending a beautiful grand entranceway,” said Stacey Penner, one of the driving forces behind the Maamawi Park project.
“So we’re very lucky that the Manitoba government has put forward this opportunity and we wouldn’t be as near as where we are without this granting opportunity.”
Penner said the funding has increased the options for the planning committee as what exactly is included as part of phase 2 will depend on available funds.
“Phase two right now is a little bit negotiable, like what we want to include. There will be a phase three and potentially a phase four. We have some other big granting opportunities out right now that we have our fingers crossed on, so there is no firm end of phase two and beginning of phase three,” Penner said. “Funds will continue to roll in and we will continue to plan accordingly.”
Other Dauphin projects receiving grants include:
• City of Dauphin - $25,000 for Watson Arts Centre repairs.
• Dauphin and District Snowmobile Club Inc. - $67,987 for construction of a storage facility.
• Dauphin and District Handivan Inc. - $71,394 for the purchase of a new handivan.
• Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation - $75,000 for Community Resource Center upgrades.
• Dauphin Recreation Services - $74,750 for iceplant upgrades.
• Dauphin’s Countryfest Inc. - $9,476 for upgrades at the Selo Ukraina festival site.
The BSC program was launched in 2019 to offer municipalities and non-profit organizations a new program that streamlined administrative processes and reduced red tape, the minister noted, adding that the program replaced seven programs that were restrictive, operated in silos and were administratively burdensome. Since 2019, the BSC program has committed over $82 million to support 1,745 community projects throughout Manitoba and leveraged $185 million in other funding sources.
The grant program supports planning activities, organizational capacity building projects, equipment costs, capital infrastructure and other local or regional initiatives that enhance the sustainability of communities.
Other area projects included in the announcement include:
• Gilbert Plains Country Club Inc. - $75,000 for golf course upgrades.
• Gilbert Plains Municipality - $176,200 for Gilbert Plains Recreation Complex upgrades.
• Grandview Kinsmen Club Inc. - $58,921 for Wilson Park upgrades.
• The Grandview Senior Drop In Centre - $25,756 for facility upgrades.
• Mallard Community Council - $5,593 for community hall upgrades.
• McCreary Golf and Country Club - $10,584 for clubhouse upgrades.
• Municipality of Lakeshore - $71,325 for Ochre River Hall upgrade.
• Municipality of McCreary - $15,143 for facilities renovations.
• Municipality of Mossey River - $43,754 for Winnipegosis Beach area renewal.
• Municipality of Mossey River - $44,814 for Winnipegosis Arena and Curling Rink upgrades.
• Ste. Rose Recreation Commission - $83,250 for phase two of the Turtle River Trail.
BSC projects can receive up to 50 per cent toward eligible costs. The maximum grant for projects in the regular stream is $75,000, while larger-scale capital projects can receive up to $300,000. Approved projects, with the exception of planning activities, are required to have a minimum of 10 per cent of funding from non-government sources.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) greatly appreciates the collaborative partnership between our organization and the Manitoba government in assessing municipal project applications under the Building Sustainable Communities program,” said Kam Blight, AMM president. “Municipalities have identified numerous projects and initiatives that benefit local communities and contribute towards building a stronger Manitoba. Thus, this funding announcement is certainly timely and will help grow our province.”
The minister noted the BSC program intake includes valued feedback from AMM to ensure local and district priorities are addressed.
“The BSC program is making a remarkable difference in communities provincewide,” said Smith.
“From installing play structures to creating outdoor recreation spaces to renovating community centres, these projects make communities healthier, stronger and more competitive.”
The 2023-24 BSC program intake period closed on Jan. 23 with 655 applications received. The list of the 428 approved projects is posted at gov.mb.ca/mr/bldgcomm/index.html.
