Officials at Notre Dame Community Centre are delighted the facility has received a much-needed financial boost from the city to fix its aging floors.

The centre is among 17 clubs across Winnipeg to receive funding in the first intake of the city’s Community Centre Renovation Grant Program, which is designed to support repairs, upgrades, retrofits, safety improvements and renovation projects. Notre Dame received $42,292 through the program.

"This is a fantastic grant, as there are no strings attached. We’re in dire need of renovations and upgrades," said Dean Gilkes, Notre Dame’s operations manager, noting the facility was built in 1981. "Some centres have trouble raising this kind of money."

Gilkes, who lives in the North End, said the current, crumbling flooring has been in place since the centre opened and has succumbed to wear-and-tear.

"It’s completely outdated. It’s been the same principle as an asphalt road and filling potholes in. It’s very badly needed. It’s like buying a 30-year-old house and having to put new tiles in," he said.

"We had a bill for $14,000 last year to get our Zamboni (ice-surfacing machine) fixed, which killed us. We’re always grinding, so this is absolutely huge for us."

The new flooring will be made of rubber and installed in the areas such as the entrance to the centre’s arena, the washrooms and dressing rooms, he said.

Gilkes said part of the survival strength of the centre is down to an "outstanding volunteer base on the executive board" and the ability to work with the community.

"For example, we’ve got a trade-off with the school next door. They come and strip and wax our floor and we give them free space," he said.

Gilles Durupt, the centre’s winter sport convenor and board member, said the new flooring will offer the club a new lease of life.

"The appearance will be much better and the wear-and-tear on skates will be minimized, so it’s long overdue," said Durupt, who lives in St. Boniface.

"The centre gives kids a place to go, so they’re not on the streets. Whether it’s ice rinks, tennis courts or other programs, the centre is a focal point for the community."

Gilkes said the centre plans to tackle other issues — such as plumbing problems and kitchen renovations — down the line, but the priority now is to get the floors upgraded.

CCRG applicants are eligible for 100% support of project costs up to a maximum of $50,000 per project per calendar year. For more information, including how to apply, visit winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/facilities/communitycentres.stm.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com