In December, the RM of Ritchot made several funding requests from the Manitoba Hydro Community Development Initiatives Funding Program. The successful applicants were announced in February, including several from Ritchot totalling $137,000.
“This is a community funding intake program that the Economic Development Office administrates to support not-for-profit organizations [and] community-based projects,” says Lesley Gaudry, Ritchot’s Community Economic Development Officer.
“The deadline for applications is December 23. The committee meets in January, and funding announcements [are] in February.”
In St. Adolphe, the new Garden Ridge Park will be granted $3,000 for trees and shrubs. Ecole St. Adolphe School’s new playground will receive $1,000 worth of vegetation. Upgrades to the ice area lighting system at the St. Adolphe Curling Club were approved for $24,000. Finally, the St. Adolphe Heritage Mural, which is slated to be erected this spring, received $2,000 in funding. Gaudry says the mural will feature natural and built heritage icons and be surrounded in a timber-frame structure.
In Ste. Agathe, the outdoor rink has been approved for a $20,000 upgrade. An additional $20,000 has been earmarked for the Ste. Agathe Hall’s commercial kitchen.
The Garderie IDC Daycare Expansion Project in Île-des-Chênes will be the recipient of a $25,000 grant. Also in Île-des-Chênes, the TransCanada Centre was granted $10,000 for wall coverings to protect the bottom four feet of the walls in the grand area and hallways, which will help preserve the walls from wear and tear and alleviate the need to frequently repaint. At last, the Vintage Club will receive $4,000 for Pickleball equipment. The club hosts matches Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.
A grant of $10,000 will go to the Grande Pointe Homeowners Association for work to be completed on phase two of its new garage and community clubhouse. This four-season facility at Grande Point Park will provide users of the outdoor rink with a place to warm up, as well as access to bathrooms.
Next winter, the municipality is planning to launch its Ski the RM cross-country skiing program. Gaudry says that the exact trail locations will be developed this summer, and that they’re hoping to have a loop trail in each community. The program is slated to collect $11,000 for the purchase of a ski trail groomer.
Finally, the Ritchot Chamber of Commerce has been approved $7,000 for their Safety and Health Awareness Program. The money is earmarked to help provide health and safety training for businesses in the region, as well as first aid training for individuals.
