Several municipalities are getting a boost to improve community safety as over one million dollars is set to be invested. The Manitoba government is investing $1.1 million as part of the Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy. “Public safety is a top priority for this government,” said Matt Wiebe, Justice Minister. “We’re working with municipalities to keep people and communities safe, cracking down on drug dealers and getting weapons off our streets, while also tackling the root causes of crime.” Several cities will receive funding to help support community safety initiatives and enhance security at municipal buildings. Cities selected to receive funding The City of Thompson will receive $300,000. While Dauphin, Selkirk, and Steinbach will receive $200,000. Morden and Winkler will both receive $100,000. “We know that each municipality in Manitoba has unique needs, and we want to make sure they have the resources they need to keep their communities safe,” said Glen Simard, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister. “Our municipal partners deserve to have a provincial government that supports and empowers them in making their communities safer, and under our government, they have that.” What funds will be used for The funds will improve safety and upgrades to municipal buildings' security cameras, alarm systems and improved lighting, repairs to damaged windows, doors or locks, and measures to address vandalism and graffiti. “The announcement is absolutely incredible and we are very excited to receive the $200,000 as a city,” said Mayor Earl Funk, City of Steinbach. “We have a lot of projects that we are considering exploring to enhance the safety of our community. It’s always a good day when we are given opportunities like this one to make Steinbach safer.” The Safer Neighbourhoods, Safer Downtowns Public Safety Strategy, takes a balanced approach that is tough on crime and the causes of crime, with strong emphasis on prevention and community-based programming.