Construction season in Winnipeg won't be ending anytime soon, thanks to a $6.2 million contribution from the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program. The funding will be directed towards the extension and upgrading of Leila Avenue, rehabilitation of the Redwood Bridge, improvements to the Canad Inns Stadium turf, and construction of a new Red River Community Centre

Rey Pagtakhan, Senior Federal Minister for Manitoba, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), Jean Friesen, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs for Manitoba, and Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray, announced the funding today at the construction site on Leila Avenue.

"The Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program enables all levels of government to work together to address social, economic and capital needs," said Minister Pagtakhan. "Through strategic use of our resources, the Government of Canada is addressing local infrastructure priorities in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba."

"These investments will address some important road safety concerns, respond to the increasing need to develop recreational and social infrastructure, and build on our commitment to a strong capital city," added Friesen. "The provincial government is committed to working with our partners in all levels of government to respond to local priorities."

By matching municipal contributions to these four projects, the federal and provincial governments are responding to local priorities identified by the City of Winnipeg. The Leila Avenue improvements and the rehabilitation of the historic Redwood Bridge will address important road safety and transportation concerns. The Red River Community Centre project and the stadium turf improvements will enhance the quality of life for Winnipeg residents by responding to some of the growing recreational and social needs.

"This is an important step that allows us to close the gap on our aging infrastructure at the neighbourhood level, said Mayor Glen Murray. "In partnership with our Federal and Provincial governments, we continue our commitment to keeping roads and bridges safe in Winnipeg and to ensuring a vibrant, healthy community that all citizens can enjoy."

On October 11, 2000, the governments of Canada and Manitoba entered into a new Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program, bringing over $180 million in infrastructure opportunities to Manitoba.

To date, 112 projects have been announced representing a total investment of over $133 million in Manitoba. For information on projects previously announced please visit the Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Program web site at: www.infrastructure.mb.ca.

For additional information, contact:

Jacquie Sippola
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0280

Sue Murray
Communications Coordinator
Canada-Manitoba Infrastructure Secretariat
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-8778

CMIP Web site:
www.infrastructure.mb.ca.

Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
Manitoba Government Web site: www.gov.mb.ca