View From the Legislature

There are many worthwhile community projects and organizations across the province that better the towns and cities that we live in. They are diverse in their activities and in the people that they support. They are sometimes easy to notice or can be harder to spot. But all of them make our province a better place to live.

This past month I have been honoured to announce either new funding for projects or the completion of public projects both locally and in different parts of the province. In the City of Steinbach there were two projects that were provided provincial support. The first was $40,000 for a new basketball court that is being constructed at the L.A. Barkman Park in Steinbach. Local residents will know the extensive improvements that the park has undergone in recent years. From new walking paths to a new fenced in off leash dog park, it is becoming one of the places that residents frequent the most when they are looking for outdoor activity.

Adjacent to the soccer park and playgrounds, it has become a hub of youth sports activity. And while the pandemic has unfortunately taken too many of those activities away, as we look forward to post pandemic times, the need for investment in these parks is more important than ever. The basketball court will help to provide playing space for the increasing number of residents who enjoy playing the sport.

Earlier this week, I was able to announce $34,000 in funding for the Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach. The Centre, which supports the senior population of our region with a multitude of activities, and also hosts many broader community events, is in need of an upgraded heating and cooling system. Like many community groups, the past many months have been difficult as their regular activities have been interrupted. The requirement to make needed but expensive upgrades comes at a difficult time and I am glad that our government could provide some much-needed support to this organization.

Many projects are really for the benefit of all Manitobans, regardless of where they live. The Manitoba 150 list of projects recognized several of these. This past week in my role as Minister of Legislative and Public Affairs I was able to officially open the refurbished fountain at Memorial Park that is located across the street from the Manitoba Legislature.

Originally commissioned by Premier Duff Roblin, the fountain, and the park in which it is contained (Memorial Park) have been an important part of the Legislature campus for years and many families have made memories in the park and watching the fountain. The fountain was a significant refurbishment project but is now open for all Manitobans to enjoy when they are downtown near the Manitoba Legislature.

Community projects and gathering places are the lifeblood of any province. These are just a few to highlight as receiving support and as bettering our province.