From the Legislature
When Kevin Klein was city councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood, he committed to protecting and growing green and park space. He moved a motion to add 1,000 acres of new green space in the city, which passed unanimously. He says he is happy that Premier Heather Stefanson supports his commitment.
As part of this commitment, on Tues., August 2, he announced a grant of $1.5 million to the Manitoba Habitat and Heritage Corporation (MHHC) to help preserve natural infrastructure in the Winnipeg area.
“This new Manitoba government funding will support the protection of our precious forests, green spaces and natural environment now and for future generations,” he commented. Converting spaces into conservation areas or parks shows our government’s commitment to enhancing community well-being and preserving natural assets and infrastructure for the long-term environmental sustainability of our great province.”
The funding will preserve natural habitat in the Winnipeg area and build on the Manitoba government’s decades of successful partnership with MHHC to advance conservation objectives across Manitoba. This includes the Manitoba government’s investment of $204 million in the GROW and Conservation trusts administered by MHHC.
Kevin went on to say, “A one-time, $1.5-million grant will be provided to MHHC as part of an initiative to acquire privately owned land with unique natural ecosystems and habitats in Winnipeg to ensure green spaces are preserved for future generations.” MHHC works in partnership with landowners and the Manitoba government to maintain and enhance natural spaces for the benefit of all Manitobans.
“Through this support, MHHC will be able to build on more than 30 years of conservation work across rural Manitoba and have a meaningful conservation impact right here in our capital city,” said Stephen Carlyle, chief executive officer MHHC. “Natural areas within the urban landscape provide amazing spaces for communities to gather and recharge in a natural setting, as well as protect important wildlife corridors. Initiatives and funding like this put the MHHC vision, ‘Manitoba Landscapes – Alive with people and nature,’ into action.”
Over $30 Million Invested in Our Community Since Being Elected Just 7 Months Ago.
When Kevin Klein was elected Dec. 2022, he committed to working hard to ensure his community and hospital received more support financially. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished to date,” he said.
Here are the community groups that he has helped in the last seven months:
• $30 million to the Grace Hospital for 20 new beds in the ICU
• $49.7 million for St. James Assiniboia School Division in 2023/24 school year, $3.7 million or 8.1% more from last year
• Presented 10 Kirkfield Park residents with the Queen’s Jubilee Medal
• Created the Kirkfield Park Seniors’ Advisory Group
• Found funding to fix the roof at Deer Lodge Curling Club
• $242,000 for communities in Kirkfield Park through Green Team funding
• $52,500 for the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
• $33,000 for Westwood Community Church
• $10,900 for God’s Family Church
• Over $60,000 for Historical Museum Assoc. of St. James-Assiniboia
• $75,000 for St. James Minor Baseball Association
• $4,900 for Rotary Club of Winnipeg – Assiniboine
• $15,000 for Sturgeon Heights Community Centre in Green Team Funding
On Wednesday, August 2, he announced even more support for community organizations in Kirkfield Park. Below is a list of the groups that received the new round of funding to help with community projects and events.
• $226,000 for Sturgeon Heights Community Center
• $140,000 for new Pickleball Courts in Woodhaven Community Club
• $300,000 for Grants Old Mill
• $150,000 for St. James – Assiniboia Minor Baseball Association
• $70,000 for Deer Lodge curling club for their roofing
• $25,000 for vision cheer company
The total invested into our community since being elected as your MLA is over $30 million, and that doesn’t include another increase given to the St. James Assiniboia School Division, more than $49 million for the 23/24 school year, which is an 8.1% increase over the last school year.
“This is what we have achieved in just seven months,” he said. “Imagine what we will do in the next four years.”
The Hon. Kevin Klein is the MLA for Kirkfield Park and Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
