The Manitoba government is investing more than $330,000 to support cultural and recreational activities and infrastructure in francophone communities across Manitoba, ensuring that these municipalities continue to grow and thrive.

“Francophone communities play a vital role in Manitoba’s cultural identity and these investments ensure they continue to grow, thrive and welcome new families,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for francophone affairs. “By supporting upgrades to libraries, parks, arenas, youth programs, and community spaces, we are strengthening social connection and improving quality of life for residents of all ages. These projects reflect the pride and resilience of francophone municipalities across Manitoba and will help ensure their cultural heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.”

Seven projects in rural Manitoba will enhance communities and create spaces that strengthen social connection and enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages. Whether it’s upgrades to infrastructure that encourages active living to the expansion and renovation of libraries that celebrate the unique cultural heritage of francophone communities, these local municipalities will benefit as their towns and villages attract more and more residents, the minister noted.

“The AMBM welcomes these concrete investments in infrastructure, community spaces and youth initiatives in our rural francophone and bilingual communities,” said Ivan Normandeau, president, Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM). “They demonstrate the results we can achieve when municipalities, community organizations and the Manitoba government work together. Our bilingual advantage helps attract new families, drive economic development and strengthen quality of life across Manitoba. By continuing this intergovernmental collaboration, we are building even more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous communities for generations to come.”

The seven projects in AMBM communities are:

  • Rural Municipality (RM) of St. Laurent – $36,967 for upgrades to the Saint-Laurent Heritage Library.
  • Woodridge Métis Local – $77,764 for Métis musicians park, including flag poles, picnic tables, signage and interpretative display commemorating local Métis musicians.
  • RM of Ritchot – $50,000 for park improvements, including accessible playground and landscaping in Île-des-Chênes.
  • RM of Alexander – $37,070 for outdoor community washroom expansion at St. Georges Boat Launch, Lagoon Road and Still Cove Boat Launch.
  • Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Recreational District – $100,000 to upgrade arena, including doors, mechanical and electrical systems and automatic door operator.
  • Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce – $19,360 for youth futures programming, including career readiness, mentorship and leadership development for youth.
  • St. Laurent Sports Club – $12,908 for free children and youth skating and broomball program at the Laurent Kerbrat Arena, including purchase of skates, , helmets and broomball sticks.

Launched in 2024, From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for All focuses on community-led response and revitalization efforts, including capacity building, wellness and safety, economic development, social inclusion, housing co-ordination and youth initiatives.

In 2025-26, the program has committed more than $12 million to support 208 community development projects across Manitoba.