International Peace Garden receives infrastructure funding boost

Boissevain, Manitoba June 27, 2008 - The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris and the Province of Manitoba announced funding for the International Peace Garden through the Canada-Manitoba Rural Infrastructure Fund.  The funding will support upgrades that will greatly enhance the site and ensure it remains a vibrant and successful tourist destination, thereby increasing revenues within the garden and surrounding region.

“The International Peace Garden is a world renowned attraction,” said Tweed.  “Support from our Government will allow for upgrades and refurbishing of existing facilities and much needed repairs of the grounds.”

Through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), $1,461,000 in funding is being provided by the federal and provincial governments and the International Peace Garden.

“The Government of Canada is working with other orders of government and stakeholders to improve and renew local infrastructure that nurtures growth within Manitoba and across Canada,” said Minister Toews. “Our Government is proud to support this beautiful botanical garden, which is a symbol of peace, hope and friendship.”

 The International Peace Garden attracts about 150,000 visitors annually and is the corner stone of tourism in southwestern Manitoba. The Garden is an important symbol of the peace and friendship between the people of Canada and the United States. It is known globally for its beautiful botanical gardens and its location along the longest, unfortified border in the world. The United States and Canada equally fund the Garden, which is located on 2,400 acres of land donated by Manitoba and North Dakota.

 “This is a true example of the unparalleled cooperation between our two great nations,” said Tweed.