Brandon YMCA receives funding

Brandon, August 25, 2008 – Brandon residents will soon be able to enjoy a new recreation facility, thanks to joint infrastructure funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Brandon and Brandon Family YMCA. Funding of $6.9 million was announced to build a family-friendly leisure centre at the present location of the YMCA in downtown Brandon.

 "The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnership with other levels of government and stakeholders to provide communities such as Brandon with access to healthy lifestyles and leisure activities through long-term infrastructure," said Minister Toews. "This new facility will give Brandon residents and surrounding communities access to a multitude of recreational activities that will help build stronger communities through active living." 

 “This project will bring to completion, many years of planning by the local YMCA Board,” said Tweed.  “The federal government, in partnership with the Province and City, is proud to be part of this renewal and expansion of the downtown YMCA.”

 Through MRIF, federal, provincial and local partners are providing matching contributions for a total investment of $145 million to help communities meet their pressing infrastructure needs. Of the funds, 80 per cent are earmarked for communities with a population of less than 250,000 people, including 198 municipalities and 50 unincorporated Northern Community Councils in rural and northern Manitoba. The remaining 20 per cent of the funds are for projects in Winnipeg.

 More information on Canada and Manitoba infrastructure projects are available at: www.infrastructure.gc.ca and www.infrastructure.mb.ca.

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 For more information, please call 1-204-726-7600