Neighbourhoods Alive! Funds First Projects In Selkirk

October 16, 2008
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New Skate Park, Community Renewal Amongst Four New Projects

SELKIRK – Selkirk’s youth will have a new recreation option and plans to revitalize neighbourhoods will proceed, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton said, as he announced $110,636 to invest in the community’s four first Neighbourhoods Alive! projects today.“The consultation process that led to these projects involved local residents in the planning and development of community improvements,” Ashton said. “The construction of a skate board park will promote healthy, active living and wellness in an excellent venue.”

Selkirk Neighbourhood Renewal Fund projects announced today include:
· $50,000 to the Selkirk Friendship Centre to implement the Breaking New Ground project. The project has established an interim advisory committee to co-ordinate community input on neighbourhood revitalization that will lead to the development of a five-year neighbourhood renewal plan and a structure for ongoing co-ordination of revitalization activities in Selkirk.
· $15,000 for the Selkirk and District Community Learning Centre to explore the feasibility of undertaking extensive renovations to the centre which houses 12 community programs.
· $35,000 to the Rotary Club of Selkirk’s Skate Board Park Project – Phase 1 to support pre‑development work which involves the production of the technical design, construction drawings and blueprints. A subsequent construction phase will develop a 15,000-square-foot concrete skate park to accommodate skate boarders, in-line skaters and BMX enthusiasts.
· $10,636 for the Nova House Employment Needs Assessment Project. The project involves mentoring a group of up to 80 local unemployed single parents to develop a plan that would address their barriers to employment and solutions.

Neighbourhoods Alive! (NA!) is a long-term, community-based, social and economic development strategy that supports and encourages community-driven revitalization efforts in neighbourhoods in Selkirk, Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin, Flin Flon, Portage, Thompson and The Pas. The strategy focuses on key areas such as housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, safety and crime prevention.

More information on the NA! program is available at www.neighbourhoodsalive.mb.ca.

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