Arts council celebrates money for roof repairs

Funding came in the nick of time, according to an arts organization in Boissevain-Morton whose headquarters is suffering from a fractured roof.

More than two dozen arts, culture and sports organizations in Manitoba will share $35 million to renovate or build new facilities under the province’s new Arts, Culture and Sport in Community fund.

The Boissevain-Morton Arts Council received word Friday its grant application for $23,000 was approved for new roof shingles for the historic Town Hall, built in 1910, where the arts council conducts all community programming.

Last August, when the province announced it would be accepting grant applications, Melissa Perkins said she started working on it immediately, as the building’s roof was in critical condition.

“We are so very grateful,” Perkins said. “The roof is in dire need of being replaced, and not only that, the building has a lot of character and is deeply rooted in our community’s history, so we’re absolutely thrilled.”

There are more than two dozen other southwestern Manitoba community organizations that will benefit from the grant funding including: $22,910 for eco-friendly ice at the Rivers curling club, $45,750 for renovations at the library in Cartwright, and $15,930 to replace the heating and ventilation system at Wasagaming Community Arts.

Brandon organizations set to receive funding are the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba ($24,990), Western Manitoba Regional Library ($24,920), the Brandon Friendship Centre ($25,000), the Brandon General Museum and Archives ($18,560) and the Brandon Gun Club ($25,000).

During Friday’s funding announcement in Winnipeg, Premier Heather Stefanson said Manitoba’s community facilities play a critical role in the development of children and youth and support the economy.

“We know that stronger communities start with a foundation of local arts, culture and sporting initiatives that foster a sense of belonging today and for generations to come,” said Stefanson.

When the government announced the new grant program last summer, it promised to spend $100 million over three years, including $34 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year.

The historic building in Boissevain is the permanent home to that community’s programming for arts, gymnastics, after-school classes for youth, adult workshops, piano and violin lessons, and programs that involve people from neighbouring communities.

A new roof will fix the issue of seeing a bit of daylight come through, said Perkins, but it will also go a long way to improve energy efficiency.

“Another big concern was our heating and energy costs, but just as important, is the overall integrity. And that is something that is quite time sensitive, so we don’t want to get to that point and have further problems. That’s why, to be honest, this funding couldn’t have come at a better time.”

For a complete list of Manitoba communities and the amounts received under the province’s Arts, Culture and Sport in Community fund, visit https://bit.ly/3YS17TL.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com