Federal, Provincial and City Governments Invest in Recreational Infrastructure in Winnipeg

August 18, 2009

The Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre in Winnipeg will move forward with renovations thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Healthy Living, on behalf of the Province of Manitoba, Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, and Councillor Harry Lazarenko on behalf of the City of Winnipeg announced funding that will create jobs for Winnipeg.

“The Gwen Secter Senior Service Centre provides programming that enables older Manitobans to fully participate in independent community living,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “As demonstrated by Age Friendly Manitoba, we are committed to enhancing our local communities; this can increase access to resources that generate healthy lifestyles and wellness for Manitoba’s aging population.”

“Having worked in collaboration with our Government, I am proud to see that Gwen Secter is receiving this very important funding,” said Mrs. Smith. “This investment helps ensure the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre will continue to proudly serve seniors in the community for years to come.”

“The City of Winnipeg is pleased to co-operate with the Provincial and the Federal Governments to fund the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre’s Total Roof Replacement Project”, said Councillor Lazarenko. “Gwen Secter provides active living programs and activities for seniors in Winnipeg’s Garden City, West Kildonan and North End areas.”

The total project cost is $60,420.  Funding of $20,000 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan with the Province of Manitoba providing $20,000 through the Community Places program. The City of Winnipeg is also contributing $20,000 through a Community Incentive Grant towards the project.

Under the project, they will replace the roof at the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre.

"Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre appreciates the joint efforts of all three levels of government as funding in the amount of $60,000 is secured for a much needed total roof replacement,” said Marilyn Regiec, Executive Director.  “Special thanks to  federal MP Joy Smith, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and City Councillor Harry Lazarenko for their ongoing support; $20,000 from each level was approved."

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.

Today’s announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province’s roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.