Governments of Canada and Manitoba

announce funding for Centennial Auditorium

OTTAWA: May 29, 2009 – Merv Tweed, MP for Brandon-Souris was pleased to hear of the announcement of a funding commitment to address the urgent upgrades and repairs needed at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

In Winnipeg, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board along with Premier Gary Doer, announced support for infrastructure initiatives under Canada's Economic Action Plan ‘Stimulus Fund’ that will benefit Manitoba communities. The local Auditorium was included in that announcement.

“The Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium is a vital cultural centre for the citizens of Brandon and surrounding area,” said Tweed.  “I’m pleased the Federal and Provincial Governments can partner with the City of Brandon to complete this project”.

The facility will receive $250,000 from each level of Federal and Provincial governments for critical work that includes the replacement of the podium area at the front of the building and the upgrade of the stage lighting system.  

"The economic impact of cultural industries in Canada is one of the most significant areas of growth for communities where these industries are encouraged to develop,” added Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell. “The renewal of the Centennial Auditorium provided for by these funds should help stimulate further and needed interest in this important sector for Brandon.”

“Today’s funding announcement for the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium project is very good news for the City of Brandon” said Mayor Dave Burgess.  “The Auditorium is one of our main cultural venues and is in need of substantial upgrades, which would not have been possible without the assistance of the Federal and Provincial Governments.”

The new federal $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year and next year's construction seasons. 

Today's announcement continues the important steps the province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure in order to stimulate the economy, create jobs and renew the province's roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.