The Rural Municipality (RM) of La Broquerie has been included in the province’s funding support for five projects that celebrate francophone culture and support francophone communities through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program.

“Manitoba’s francophone communities are a vibrant and essential part of our province’s cultural fabric,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for francophone affairs. “Our rural francophone regions carry forward traditions, language and community spirit that strengthen Manitoba as a whole. These investments ensure francophone families have welcoming spaces to gather, celebrate their heritage and build an even brighter future. Our government is proud to support projects that honour this rich culture and help these communities continue to thrive.”

The five projects are:

  • RM of La Broquerie – $67,500 for outdoor skating rink upgrades;
  • Centre TC Energy Centre, Île-des-Chênes – $100,000 for community centre upgrades;
  • Crow Wing Trail Association Chemin St. Paul Inc., St-Pierre-Jolys – $22,000 for interpretive panel development and installation along the Crow Wing Trail;
  • Lourdéon Community Development Corporation, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes – $100,000 for green space and splash park enhancements; and
  • Fort la Reine Museum, Pioneer Village and Tourist Bureau Inc., Portage la Prairie – $90,000 for redevelopment of the trading post, including building a four-season multi-purpose facility.

“The RM of La Broquerie is excited to receive funding for the all-season upgrades to the outdoor rink,” said Ivan Normandeau, reeve, RM of La Broquerie. “This project allows for additional programs such as the farmers market and pickleball courts that create a space to bring our communities together. These projects are only possible with support and partnership through programs like From the Ground Up.”

The From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program is a Manitoba government grant program launched in 2024 to support community-led revitalization, safety and infrastructure projects. It funds community renewal, spaces and youth initiatives with up to 80 per cent coverage for non-profits and 50 per cent for municipalities, focusing on improving high-needs neighbourhoods.