Local investments a priority in 2021
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/02/2021 (851 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As the MLA serving our area, I am honoured to write about ongoing investments into our local communities. Since Jan. 1, many such investments have been announced which will benefit families, schools and neighbourhoods in real and meaningful ways.
$50 million was announced for capital investments in kindergarten to Grade 12 schools, including: a roof replacement at Chief Peguis Junior High School; phase 2 of a two-storey roof structural upgrade at Springfield Heights School; and an elevator at Kildonan-East Collegiate.
The announcement also included a commitment to land acquisition for a future school in Devonshire Park north of the Regent Avenue Costco, and reaffirmed the expansion of the Division scolaire franco-manitobaine’s new Panet Road school for 350 students in 2022.
In addition, 96 regularly funded nursery schools received Jan. 1 grant increases for operating funding as part of a commitment to a fair funding model. Of Manitoba’s 162 nursery schools, only 66 received this level of funding until now. More details about this nursery school funding are forthcoming to ensure the expansion and accessibility of nursery and preschool care.
As well, non-profit and community organizations are invited to apply for Green Team grants to hire youth aged 15 to 29 between May 1 and Sept. 30. Last year my office successfully helped local organizations benefit from over $200,000 in grants for summer children’s and youth programming, community gardens, site maintenance, and COVID protocols. One hundred per cent of wage costs are covered for non-profit organizations; applications must be received by Feb. 15.
Non-profit and community-led organizations can also apply for Building Sustainable Communities grants, which fund up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $75,000; and for larger-scale capital projects to a maximum of $300,000. The application deadline is Feb. 28.
Since Jan. 1, the province has also announced $2.3 million for wraparound care for youth and young adults injured by violence; $5.6 million for support and services for victims of crime; and $4 million for safety and security upgrades for Manitoba Housing.
Despite the challenges of the current times, Manitoba’s government is committed to investing in local communities like ours.
While these investments rarely make front page news, they often make a huge difference in the lives of those they touch. And it is a highlight of my service as an MLA to help community groups access funds they are eligible for, and to see them put those monies to good use serving the community.
If you would like more information about any of the above opportunities, please contact my office anytime at 204-289-4545 or by emailing andrew@andrewmicklefield.com
Andrew Micklefield
Rossmere constituency report
Andrew Micklefield is PC MLA for Rossmere and the government whip for the Province of Manitoba.