Government of Manitoba Media Release |  More Than $568,000 in Funding For 295 Projects in 2011

Revitalization of streets, buildings and community parks, along with new signs and trees will be seen throughout Manitoba in several rural communities as the province provides more than $568,000 in provincial Hometown Manitoba grants for 295 projects this year, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) Minister Stan Struthers announced today.

“Everyone likes to be proud of where they live, with well-maintained buildings, parks, streets and community enhancements such as trees and flowers, but that level of care needs people power and financial support,” said Struthers.  “We are pleased to partner with rural communities throughout Manitoba to help them complete the projects that will help enhance their hometowns, making them more attractive for new businesses and more inviting to residents and visitors.”

The Hometown Manitoba program provides annual funding in three categories:  Meeting Places, Main Street Enhancements and Tree Planting to help communities promote the unique identities and themes that define the vibrancy of their community life. 

Since Hometown Manitoba was launched in 2004, 1,701 projects have been approved for more than $3 million in provincial funding, which has generated an additional $18 million in business and community investments, said Struthers.

“This is about investing in our communities and through Hometown Manitoba we’re strengthening our neighbourhoods, breathing new life into them and creating a buzz of excitement,” he said.  “Manitoba families will see the difference and enjoy more of what their communities have to offer.”

Approved projects in the Swan Valley for 2011 include:

Swan River
Taylor School Parent Advisory Council: Tree planting in the Taylor School grounds
Swan River Summer Games Host Society Inc.: Community stage construction for 2012 Summer Games
Windsor Service Swan River: Storefront facelift of Windsor service station

Minitonas
Town of Minitonas: Treeplanting for downtown Minitonas
Holmstead Furniture and Woodworking: Storefront improvement
Minitonas Hotel: Storefront facelift
Derek Bartel: Building facelift in downtown Minitonas

The complete list of approved projects for 2011 can be found at:
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/ri/community/pdf/ria01s11.pdf

Information about the Hometown Manitoba program and how to apply for funding for next year is available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/ri/community/ria01s04.html.