City report recommends Red River Ex manage John Blumberg Sports Complex

The Red River Exhibition Association is poised to take over management of the John Blumberg Sports Complex under a proposed long-term lease that would pave the way for millions of dollars in upgrades to the aging facility.

A report headed to the city’s property and development committee next month recommends approving a 50-year lease with the non-profit, along with the option of three additional 10-year renewal terms.

The report says the proposed lease preserves greenspace, provides outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and supports the development of a modern sports complex.

“The proposed sports complex is expected to attract local, regional, and national sporting events, generating economic activity, increasing tourism and creating additional revenue opportunities for both the facility and the broader community.”

Under the agreement, the Red River Exhibition Association would assume responsibility for operating, managing and maintaining John Blumberg Park at 4500 Portage Ave.

Although the sports complex is located in the Rural Municipality of Headingley, the land is owned by the City of Winnipeg.

The lease would give the association the certainty needed to pursue capital funding for a major redevelopment of the complex. Proposed improvements include repairing and replacing existing playing fields, adding facilities for sports such as lacrosse and pickleball and constructing new amenities, including a restaurant and retail space.

The public service is also recommending an exemption to the city’s sponsorship policy, allowing the Red River Exhibition Association to secure its own corporate sponsors for the facility.

The John Blumberg Sports Complex opened in 1990 and has experienced periods of growth, decline and recent revitalization efforts, the report said. The city estimates about $3 million in refurbishment work is required.

Softball Manitoba operated the complex from 1990 until 2023, when it chose not to renew its lease because it could not afford the capital improvements needed to keep the facility viable.

The city issued a request for proposals in 2024 to find a new operator, but no agreement was reached. It later reopened the process and expanded the offering to include the site’s soccer fields.

The Red River Exhibition Association has already completed some initial improvements under a temporary lease signed last year and has proposed transforming the property into a modern recreation and sports facility capable of hosting “many different activities.”

Because the agreement involves city-owned land outside Winnipeg’s boundaries, it will require approval from two-thirds of city council.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca