Federal and Provincial Funding for International Peace Garden Projects

INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - July 10, 2015) -

Funding announced today for three projects at the International Peace Garden in southwest Manitoba will help ensure that it continues to be an attractive destination for area residents and tourists alike for years to come. Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, and Charlie Thomsen, President of the International Peace Garden Board of Directors participated in the announcement.

Located on the border between Manitoba and North Dakota, the International Peace Garden was established on July 14, 1932 as a symbol of the peaceful relationship between Canada and the United States.

Through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund the Government of Canada will support upgrades to the Errick F. Willis Pavilion, a multi-use facility that is primarily utilized for receptions, conventions and catered events. The work - which will help provide future opportunities for local economic development - will upgrade the building and expand its usage to three seasons upon completion.

The Government of Manitoba also announced, through a statement read at the event, its funding for two additional projects - the replacement of the wastewater pipeline to the facility's wastewater treatment plant, as well as the completion of the much needed road renewal work on the North Drive.

Quick Facts

• The governments of Canada and Manitoba will jointly provide $510,665 through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund for the renovation of the Errick F. Willis Pavilion.
  
  
• The Province of Manitoba is investing $510,665 towards the replacement of the wastewater pipeline and North Drive rehabilitation projects.
  
  
• North Dakota is also investing in upgrades to other infrastructure needs at the International Peace Gardens.
  
  
• The park is a popular destination for tourists and residents of southwestern Manitoba and provides economic spinoff benefits to the nearby Municipality of Boissevain-Morton.
  
  

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to announce our support through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund to the restoration initiative at the International Peace Garden. It will help increase tourism and economic development in the region for years to come. For decades visitors have arrived to stroll through the Garden, young people have visited to participate in youth camps while others have come to the Garden to reflect on the strong friendship and enduring ties between Canada and the United States."

- Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, On behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec

"The International Peace Garden has stood as a symbol of peace and friendship since 1932. In partnership with the Government of Canada, we are proud to provide support through the Building Manitoba Fund for these important upgrades and hope that the International Peace Garden will continue to remind visitors from across Canada and the U.S. of our enduring relationship."

- Drew Caldwell, Minister, Manitoba Municipal Government

"This support from both federal and provincial governments will get us started on long-overdue upgrades and repairs at the International Peace Garden. The Willis Pavilion is one of the jewels of the International Peace Garden crown, but, as you can see, it's become a bit worn and tarnished over the years. With this support we plan to return the pavilion to its former glory. It is our hope that the projects supported by this funding will be just a beginning to a rejuvenation and revitalization of the International Peace Garden Infrastructure."

- Charlie Thomsen, President of the International Peace Garden

Associated Links

To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy, consult Canada's Economic Action Plan at: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2015/home-accueil-eng.html.

To learn more about the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/ptbase-finbasept-eng.html.

Manitoba's five-year, $5.5 billion infrastructure plan can be found at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/pdf/five-yr-plan.pdf.

For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/plan-eng.html.

Learn more about the International Peace Garden, visit: http://www.peacegarden.com/

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