Recreation facilities get a boost

Recreation facilities in Manitoba will receive some much-needed upgrades as part of the national economic stimulus plan.

In a joint statement, the federal and provincial governments announced two major renovation projects under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Riverton Curling Rink in Selkirk will receive a more efficient ice plant to reduce energy costs, while the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre for seniors in Winnipeg will be getting a new roof.

The program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities over a two-year period.

Premier Gary Doer steps down

After 10 years in office, the popular and enigmatic Premier Gary Doer will be resigning from office this fall to take the position of Canada’s U.S. ambassador.

Elected in 1999, under the flag of the NDP, Doer’s popularity with many Manitobans led him to three straight majority governments.

“I am grateful to the people of Manitoba for giving me the chance to serve them,” Doer said in a press release.

Province releases H1N1 update

To help clear the air for many concerned citizens, the provincial government released a guideline for all Manitobans to help anticipate and avoid the ever-growing H1N1 pandemic.

According to the statement, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to declare H1N1 a pandemic has not affected Manitoba’s recommendations for the public, which include staying home and maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

The statement also says a majority of those infected have not been hospitalized, and no reason has been found to close public facilities or discourage local traveling.

For more information, contact Health Links at 788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.

Rally tackles downtown trash

If downtown sidewalks and bus shelters are victims in Winnipeg, then coffee cups and half-eaten fruit are the villains. And we can be the heroes.

The Downtown Biz kicked off the second phase of its litter awareness campaign with a mock rally at Air Canada Park focused on cleaning up urban bus shelters and flower planters. Staff chanted “Free the shelters,” waved placards and handed out buttons.

“We hope Winnipeggers will pitch in by putting their litter where it belongs,” said Stefano Grande, executive director of Downtown BIZ.

Signs have been put up at strategic downtown locations to help Winnipeggers think twice about throwing their trash where it doesn’t belong. Fifteen new waste receptacles were also installed around the city in the last month.

Homelessness Strategy accepting proposals

The federal government is calling for proposals on its Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS).

All non-profit businesses, governments and individuals in Canada are invited to create a proposal on both developing data and creating good practices concerning homelessness. The strategy is based on the premise that housing stability is key to self-sufficiency.
In September 2008, the federal government extended HPS for two years, extending it to 2011. Now all Canadians can help create projects that will help this strategy blossom further.

The government will be accepting proposals until Oct. 15.

Published in Volume 64, Number 1 of The Uniter (September 3, 2009)