Thompson organizations are receiving nearly $475,000 in funding through the provincial government’s Building Sustainable Communities program, it was announced May 16.
The Boys & Girls Club of Thompson is the biggest local recipient, receiving $331,962 toward building an addition to the youth centre to expand program capacity and making improvements to existing facilities.
The City of Thompson is receiving $60,000 to support the creation of a development plan and zoning bylaw, while the Thompson YWCA residence is receiving $44,865 for facility improvements and the Thompson Community Development Corporation is getting $38,152 for tourism development.
The program supports up to 50 per cent of project costs for planning activities, organizational capacity building initiatives, equipment costs, capital infrastructure and other projects that enhance community sustainability.
“Locally developed projects are, by design, tailored to address their community’s specific, unique needs and opportunities,” said Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith in a press release. “Our government is pleased to continue supporting community-based projects that foster thriving, sustainable neighbourhoods and improve residents’ quality of life.The BSC program is making a remarkable difference in communities provincewide. From installing play structures to creating outdoor recreation spaces to renovating community centres, these projects make communities healthier, stronger and more competitive.”
Other northern organizations receiving funding through the BSC program include the Flin Flon Trout Festival Association, which is getting $14,750 for the second phase of its festival remodelling, and Town of The Pas, which is getting $550,225 for upgrades to its arena and Winton Pool. The Church of St. Pauls in Churchill is getting $73,075 for a cemetery memorial and basement restoration, while the Churchill Joint Group Committee is getting $39,500 for upgrades to Camp Nanuq and the Churchill Northern Studies Centre is receiving $39,199 for a community composting program.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities greatly appreciates the collaborative partnership between our organization and the Manitoba government in assessing municipal project applications under the Building Sustainable Communities program,” said Kam Blight, president of the AMM, which advocates on behalf of all Manitoba municipalities. “Municipalities have identified numerous projects and initiatives that benefit local communities and contribute towards building a stronger Manitoba. Thus, this funding announcement is certainly timely and will help grow our province.”
