Province Now Accepting Applications For 2010 Program: Struthers
Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers today invited rural and northern communities to take advantage of assistance to revitalize main streets, enhance community gathering places and buildings, and expand neighbourhood green space with trees through the Hometown Manitoba Program.
The Honourable Stan Struthers
“This popular program has been a tremendous success in supporting significant improvement projects identified by rural and northern communities,” said the minister. “Local economic activity is the heartbeat of vibrant communities. Through Hometown Manitoba, we support community-driven projects that enhance local amenities by using local resources and creating long-term economic benefits.”
Struthers noted that, last year, 369 applications were approved from over 120 communities along with funding of more than $500,000 for a variety of projects. In 2009, program support generated investments of approximately $7 million in rural and northern Manitoba.
The program has three components: Meeting Places, Main Street Enhancements and Tree Planting. Combined with financing from communities, non-profit organizations, co-operatives or businesses, it offers grants of up to $5,000 for communities to improve and enhance outdoor public areas and up to $1,000 for non-profit organizations or small businesses seeking to enhance or improve exterior building appearances or signage. The tree planting component offers up to $5,000 to municipalities or town organizations to plant trees in public areas.
“The province is pleased to support communities on projects that make their public spaces more attractive to residents and tourists, enhance local buildings in the main street area and develop vacant green space in parks and rest areas,” said Struthers. “Ultimately, these projects directly benefit families, communities and the province.”
Applications and more information is available from Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives GO Offices and online here. The application deadline is April 15.
