Federal Government, Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg Invest in Winnipeg's Recreational Infrastructure

July 20, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba - The Gateway Recreation Centre will be able to move forward with the replacement of its roof, thanks to funding from all three levels of government. 

Today, Premier Gary Doer 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 Jeff Browaty on behalf of the City of Winnipeg, announced funding for renovations that will create jobs in Winnipeg.

"This truly is a great day for the Gateway Recreation Centre," said Premier Gary Doer. "This investment will support the quality programming this recreational facility provides to residents of our city and it will also ensure this facility will be here for future generations."
"I'm pleased to announce our Government's support for the Gateway Recreation Centre," said MP Joy Smith. "Our Government has worked hard to ensure that our community received this funding."

"Improving our recreational infrastructure is a priority for Winnipeggers and City Council has made significant strides to ensure we continue to invest in our community centres city-wide," said Councillor Jeff Browaty. "We are proud to contribute to the Gateway Community Centre rehabilitation so we may continue to provide a safe quality facility for our citizens."

Total cost of the project is $1,108,584. Federal funding of $365,833 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program under Canada's Economic Action Plan with the Province of Manitoba providing a matching contribution. The City of Winnipeg is also contributing $208,584 towards the project.
Under the project, the Gateway Recreation Centre will be able to replace its roof and upgrade its parapet wall.  This rehabilitation will improve the recreational facility for the use of residents of Winnipeg and surrounding areas.

"Programs such as the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program are vital to the future of our community centre infrastructure," said Brent McIntyre, President of the Gateway Community Centre. "On behalf of the Board of Directors of Gateway Recreation Centre and our members and patrons, we are pleased to work with government in undertaking this very significant capital improvement project. Gateway Recreation Centre was not in a position to undertake a project of this magnitude without the collective and cooperative efforts of all parties involved."

The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.  RInC 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.

For more information, please visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan.