The City and Rural Municipality (RM) of Portage la Prairie are benefiting from joint funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba toward the construction of a new regional recreation multiplex for the community. Through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF), $10 million is being provided for this project. The funding is based on equal contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the City and RM of Portage la Prairie. In addition to the MRIF funding for this multiplex, the Province of Manitoba is contributing $1.7 million through the Building Manitoba Fund. 

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba and the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

“This major project addresses many needs in Portage and the surrounding area, creating additional recreational and social opportunities for young and old alike,” said Premier Doer. “In addition to allowing more residents to take advantage of access to healthy activities, the new facility will also help boost the economic potential of the region.”

“The Government of Canada is proud to work in partnerships with other levels of government and stakeholders to provide communities with access to healthy lifestyles and leisure activities through     long-term infrastructure,” said Minister Toews. “We believe recreation facilities are an integral part of any community and that this project will play a pivotal role in bringing this community together and ensuring it remains a vibrant place for people to live, work and raise their families.”

The City and RM of Portage la Prairie will build a regional recreation multiplex for the community. It will serve a regional population of approximately 20,000 and include an indoor aquatic centre, a 1,700 seat main arena, a 4,000 sq. ft. fitness centre, a 200 seat multipurpose room, a grand atrium, and a two-lane walking track. The environmentally-friendly centre will also meet the Canadian Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating. This project will also incorporate design elements that are accommodating to all ages and abilities.   

The City and RM of Portage la Prairie and surrounding area will greatly benefit from the modern indoor aquatic facility and the new arena, which will be capable of hosting large community events. Events such as trade shows, concerts and fairs will enhance the region’s tourism and economic development potential.

“The City of Portage la Prairie in partnership with the Rural Municipality is appreciative of the support from both the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba,” said Toby Trimble, Reeve of the RM of Portage la Prairie. “This funding partnership secures our ability to move forward in building a fantastic recreation amenity in our region for all to benefit. The confirmation of $10 million towards the project launches a huge momentum in our next phase of community fundraising.  It truly will be a place for all ages and abilities to enjoy recreation and leisure opportunities and a great gathering place to build a healthy and active community.”

“The Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, in partnership with the City of Portage la Prairie, is grateful for the support provided to our project by the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba through the Canada-Manitoba Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund,” said Ken Brennan, Mayor of the City of Portage la Prairie. “Their contributions to this project ensures that a healthy lifestyle recreation facility can be constructed for all residents of the Portage la Prairie area to enjoy. The funding confirmation for this project will provide forward momentum for future community fundraising initiatives.”

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 under 250,000, 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. 

The Building Manitoba Fund is a unique income and fuel tax-sharing program through which municipalities receive a share of provincial tax revenues that grow with the economy to support their infrastructure and service delivery needs. In 2008, Manitoba municipalities will receive $143.0 million for roads, transit, public safety and other municipal infrastructure and service priorities through the Building Manitoba Fund.

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

For more information, contact:

Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada,
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
Phone: (613) 943-1838 

John Thorpe, Communications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-4997
MB Government Website: http://www.gov.mb.ca/