Something for Rural and Northern Communities in Manitoba, Canada

PROVINCIAL HOMETOWN GRANTS HELP RURAL, NORTHERN COMMUNITIES

COMPLETE LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS:  KOSTYSHYN

Rural and northern communities looking to improve and revitalize main street landscaping, buildings and public outdoor meeting areas can access partnership funding to help with their projects through the provincial Hometown grant program, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn said today, noting that applications for the 2012 program are now available.

"Communities that greet residents and visitors with attractive streets, buildings and public areas reflect the pride, optimism and confidence of the people who live there and send the same positive message to visitors," said Kostyshyn.  "Through Hometown Manitoba, we support community-driven projects that use local products and services to create long-term benefits visually and economically."

Hometown Manitoba provides financial support for rural and northern community projects initiated by municipalities, co-operatives, non-profit community organizations and local businesses.  The aim is to promote unique identities and themes that define a community through projects that enhance main street building exteriors and public outdoor spaces.  Eligible projects include parks, community gathering places, seniors' and youth centres, hospitals, clinics, personal-care homes, schools, libraries, churches, museums, public administration buildings and other similar facilities.

Through the Hometown Manitoba program, the province partners with the community by providing funding under three categories: 

* Hometown Main Streets Enhancements, under which the province will provide funding up to

50 per cent of total eligible project costs to a maximum $1,000;

* Hometown Meeting Places, under which the province will provide funding up to one-third of total eligible costs to a maximum of $5,000; and

* a tree-planting component that supports community greening initiatives by offering up to

50 per cent of eligible project costs up to $5,000 to municipalities or town organizations to plant trees in public areas.

Last year the province provided more than $568,000 in funding to 295 community-based projects.  Since its launch in 2004, Hometown Manitoba has supported over $20 million in community investment to complement approved provincial funding.

Projects that have been completed through the Hometown Manitoba program include:

* construction of the Shamrock Central Bridge pathway in Killarney;

* planting trees to enhance the Dauphin Friendship Centre property and Main Street in Ste. Rose du Lac;

 

* providing for a building facelift for the Thompson Humane Society;

* constructing a seating area on Main Street in Arborg;

* building a cookhouse shelter at Wekusko Lake;

* completing museum restoration in St. Malo; and

* replicating a historic exterior on a new building in Ste. Anne.

        

The Hometown Manitoba program guide is available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/ri.  Copies of the guide, application forms and further information are also available from any Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Team Office or Centre.

The application deadline for the Hometown Manitoba program is March 15.