The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement continues to build on Winnipeg's diversity, unique neighbourhoods and will facilitate the development of partnerships between community-based organizations and volunteer professionals with $487,790 in funding for four projects.

The announcement was made today by Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board; Scott Smith, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade; and his Worship, Mayor Sam Katz.

"The vision of Winnipeg as a strong and dynamic capital city is only enhanced by projects that will revitalize our neighbourhoods," said Minister Alcock. "These four initiatives celebrate Winnipeg communities and recognize the importance of developing partnerships."

"The building of a more vibrant Winnipeg is part bricks and mortar and part people. The projects being announced today touch on both these elements," said Minister Smith. "The face of Winnipeg's downtown is changing, offering residents more opportunities to come together to share a unique experience and community groups are better positioned to benefit from professions and other community practitioners willing to share their knowledge."

"Projects like the ones we are announcing today will help to make an already great downtown even better. They will continue to build on a foundation to attract tourists and residents, which in turn will help create a beautiful and safe downtown. We all want a prosperous and healthy city," said Mayor Katz.

Funding will enable community-based organizations including the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation and L'Association des résidents du Vieux Saint Boniface to take the next steps toward revitalizing their neighbourhoods. The Forks Renewal Corporation and the Festival du Voyageur will explore ways to attract Winnipeggers to outdoor activities. The funding provided to Supporting Employment and Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (SEED Winnipeg) will provide a matching service that gives community projects access to a variety of professional services.

These investments demonstrate the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement's commitment to revitalize Winnipeg by enabling community groups to access technical services. Through these projects, citizens and visitors will also have enhanced opportunities to rediscover the downtown and enjoy Winnipeg's cultural offerings.

The funds announced today are under Component II - Building Sustainable Neighbourhoods, and Component III - Downtown Renewal of the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement. Component II projects include those that promote community capacity, physical renewal, safety and crime prevention, community development and sustainable economic development. Component program III recognizes and builds upon recent efforts to revitalize Winnipeg's downtown by encouraging downtown living as well as stimulating economic and cultural initiatives in the city's core.

The Winnipeg Partnership Agreement was signed in May 2004. Community consultations are ongoing to develop the component programs. Interested parties are encouraged to consult the Website, http://www.winnipegpartnership.mb.ca/, for program details.

Federal funding for these projects is included in the fiscal framework. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is the federal department responsible for administering this agreement.

For additional information, contact:

Mark Gale
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (204) 983-0789

Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
(204) 945-5795

Brad Salyn
Press Secretary
Office of the Mayor
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-4003