Municipal  Relations Minister Andrew Smith  spoke with the Winnipeg Jewish Review recently regarding  the fact that the  Manitoba government is investing over $25 million through the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program to support numerous community development projects throughout the province.

”The program funds funds not for profit community groups, and cultural groups etc. We fund up to 50% of the eligible costs of the project,”Smith explained .

Smith noted that  in  regards to the Jewish community, Camp Massad was awarded $18,130 under this BSC program for pool sustainability and heat efficiency.”

Smith added that other community groups could potentially receive funding under the BSC program and “the next intake is in December.”

Community groups may want to make arrangements in their budgets “to match the funds that they are asking for from the government pursuant to the BSC program,” Smith emphasized. He also stated, that groups should “reach out to us to see if they are eligible.”

Smith indicated that the BSC program can help with accessibility, such as by providing funds for “wheelchair ramps or elevators.”

“Locally developed projects are, by design, tailored to address their community’s specific, unique needs and opportunities,” said Smith. “Our government is pleased to continue supporting community-based projects that foster thriving, sustainable neighbourhoods and improve residents’ quality of life.”

The province’s support to the BSC  Program for  was doubled last year to increase support for community projects. 

The BSC program was launched in 2019 to offer municipalities and non-profit organizations a new program that streamlined administrative processes and reduced red tape, the minister noted. Since 2019, the BSC program has committed over $82 million to support 1,745 community projects throughout Manitoba and leveraged $185 million in other funding sources.

The grant program supports planning activities, organizational capacity building projects, equipment costs, capital infrastructure and other local or regional initiatives that enhance the sustainability of communities.

The maximum grant for projects in the regular stream is $75,000, while larger-scale capital projects can receive up to $300,000. Approved projects, with the exception of planning activities, are required to have a minimum of 10 per cent of funding from non-government sources.

“The BSC program is making a remarkable difference in communities provincewide,” said Smith. “From installing play structures to creating outdoor recreation spaces to renovating community centres, these projects make communities healthier, stronger and more competitive.”

For more information on the BSC program, visit www.gov.mb.ca/grants/grant-name.html#b.