January 25, 2013

East St. Paul, Manitoba

Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, hockey rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Harper Government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

As part of the Government's Economic Action Plan 2012, Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), announced support for the East St. Paul Recreation Arena under the Fund.

"I am proud to see the Rural Municipality of East St. Paul benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund," said MP Joy Smith. "By improving an important community hub such as this arena, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for the residents of East St. Paul."

The Harper Government's investment of $48,150 will enhance the services provided by the East St. Paul Recreation Arena. The project involves upgrading the existing banquet room by replacing the flooring, ceiling and lighting, and renovating the washrooms and kitchen area. These improvements will help transform the room into a multi-purpose space which can be used for a wide range of community activities and events.

"The Rural Municipality of East St. Paul is very excited to receive funding from WD to help renovate the arena banquet hall," said Mayor Lawrence Morris. "As a result, the residents of East St. Paul will have an up-to-date facility to host a variety of functions within their municipality."

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating, small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

For more information, contact:

Gabriela Klimes
Communications, Winnipeg
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204-983-6243

Carol Oppermann
CAO, Rural Municipality of East St. Paul
Telephone: 204-594-4400

WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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