The Province of Manitoba recently announced significant funding for a brand new play structure in Ste. Agathe.

Ron Schuler is the Provincial Minister of Infrastructure. He notes the funding for Ste. Agathe comes from the Building Sustainable Communities grant program.

"The $43,500 for Ste. Agathe Parc Belle Riviere is going to be used to enhance the green space and park space by installing an accessible play structure and pathways. So what this will allow is individuals who are mobility challenged to be able to access the play structure and be able to access the park."

Schuler says these accessible features will also give more access to mothers with strollers. He notes the community of Ste. Agathe is in need of upgraded park facilities.

"This is a growth area in the province, a lot of young families, a lot of people coming out with young children and they need something to do, they need places to go and grow and get strong and play and make connection with the community so that is what we are doing in this region."

The Building Sustainable Communities grant program is designed to provide funds for community parks and recreation projects. Schuler says they want to make sure our province continues to invest in recreation.

"It is very important for our children to get out and be active and we know that the more we focus on young people and even us to be more active and stay healthy, the less we will pay in healthcare dollars and in other dollars so these are really smart investments."

Meanwhile, the provincial government recently announced a $75,000 grant for the community of Grande Pointe through the same program. Schuler says the money will go toward an addition at the Grande Pointe Community Clubhouse. He notes that community will be growing a lot over the next ten years and they want to be ready for that growth.