Premier takes his chequebook to Brandon

BRANDON — Members of the Manitoba government launched a funding spree as they descended on the province’s second-largest city for their party’s annual convention.

Premier Wab Kinew held a news conference to announce the province will spend another $1 million for reconstruction of Park Community Centre in Brandon.

The fully reconstructed centre, which will open in about two years, will include 68 daycare spaces, a kitchen and a new main hall. In total, the province is chipping in $7 million, the City of Brandon will spend $1.4 million and $100,000 will come from Heritage Co-op.

“We’re really excited about this. This is going to bring child care and recreational and social space to a new level in this part of Brandon. But importantly, this is a hub for community,” Kinew said.

Kinew made the announcement Friday afternoon with Brandon East MLA Glen Simard, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett and centre president Ken Friedrich.

Kinew applauded the community and board members who pushed for financial aid for years.

“I’m super happy that we have a community like this where people step up and say, ‘This is what matters to us,’’” he said.

Simard said the building is more than just a community centre.

“This will be a cornerstone of downtown Brandon for years and years to come,” said Simard, who is the minister of municipal and northern relations.

The new funding means the projected cost of the project is fully covered, Simard said. It also means the city can put out requests for proposals right away.

“We’ll take a cheaper price if we can get it,” Simard said.

Friedrich said the lobbying has taken a long time and he credit the premier, Simard and the mayor. 

“We always knew we’re going to get here, but it’s because of these three men… They all came together and made this happen,” Friedrich said.

Fawcett said the project is part of a bigger picture across the city.

“These projects are making our city more vibrant, more inclusive and more welcome,” Fawcett said.

The government handed out another $700,000 for eight projects in western Manitoba, including three Brandon projects that got $100,000 each: replacement of Brandon University’s observatory dome, new playground equipment at Keystone Lions Park and facility upgrades at the Keystone Centre.

Other projects to receive funding include:

• $94,755 to the City of Brandon for upgrades to the public library and art gallery

• $80,000 for John Howard Society of Brandon for transitional housing programs

• $60,425 to United Way Brandon and District for enhanced wellness and peer support programs

• $20,000 to YMCA of Brandon for day camp enhancements to support inner-city children

• $58,582 to the Killarney food bank to enhance organizational capacity

• $100,000 for Souris and Glenwood Golf Club course upgrades, including an irrigation system

The NDP said 400 delgates are expected to attend the three-day convention. Topics to be discussed include health care, affordability, safety, the economy and the environment, a party news release said.

— Brandon Sun