Community centres struggle in dollar desert

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This article was published 06/11/2020 (2022 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With level red restrictions in place throughout the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, community centres are once again questioning their financial stamina.

Sinclair Park CC is currently shut down and has zero revenue coming in, according to board president Tracy Ball.

“It’s a struggle for the community, it’s a struggle for the kids, it’s a struggle for the families,” she said. “It makes it hard for a community centre when there’s no community in it.”

Sinclair Park CC makes most of its revenue from rentals, all of which have been cancelled or postponed. Ball said the centre is facing a financial loss totaling more than $150,000.

As a result, programs and services, including the outdoor ice rink and Santa’s breakfast event, are on the chopping block.

The centre is also waiting for a reimbursement of approximately $13,000 from the federal government to cover wages paid through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

Sinclair Park, like other City-owned community centres, receives an annual operating grant from the City but is left to cover all other costs, such as snow clearing and removal, which is mandated by the city.

Depending on the amount of snow in a season, Ball said, the centre spends between $5,000 and $10,000 on moving snow. She said she wants the city to use its own resources to do the job, because it’s a financial burden for community centres.

Garden City Community Centre is feeling a similar dread for the upcoming winter season.
Board treasurer Lorrie Rogalka said Garden City CC spends approximately $13,000 per year on snow clearing and removal.

“The cost of moving the snow — like clearing the lot and just putting it into a pile — is not too bad. It’s the hauling the snow away part that is the bigger cost,” Rogalka said.

So, this year the centre plans to store as much snow as possible on its property to save money.

Garden City CC has closed its doors to the public, suspended programming, and laid off most of its staff because it cannot afford to pay wages, Rogalka said.

Schools may continue to rent space at the centre, which is funding the reduced wages of the few staff who continue to work.

Rogalka explained Garden City CC has also incurred massive costs from cleaning and signage expenses.

“We spent $17,000 (from March) until the end of August on signage and cleaning product.”

Rogalka estimates cleaning supplies alone for the entire facility will cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per month moving forward.

The pandemic has highlighted how much community centres rely on rentals and programming to afford staying open, she said.

If community centres remain closed, Ball explained, communities themselves will experience a deficit.

“I think it’s going to be really dark for the community.”