$13 million-plus for St. James Civic Centre upgrades

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/08/2021 (1799 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As we recently announced, the government of Manitoba is funding over $4.4 million and the City of Winnipeg is contributing more than $3.5 million toward eligible costs for St. James Civic Centre upgrades. In addition, the Government of Canada is investing more than $5.2 million in this project for a total of over $13 million.

Over 56 years ago, a plan to redevelop the land of the Assiniboine Golf Course came to fruition when construction of the Civic Centre began at the corner of Woodlawn Street and Ness Avenue. This new building boasted a 350-seat auditorium, a swimming pool and a 1,500-seat arena.

The SJCC became a hub for recreational activities in the area and was known as one of the more prominent (and also one of the larger) hockey venues in Winnipeg. Hockey greats Bobby Hull, Anders Hedberg, and Kent Nilsson first practised there in 1974, and most recently the facility was home to the St. James Canucks of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and other local minor hockey teams.

Now over 50 years old, the SJCC is in need of improvements to continue to provide our community with a place to meet and to access sports and recreational activities. On July 30, I was honored to be part of the tri-level funding announcement for the expansion of the Civic Centre.

The project funding will allow for expansion and renovation of the SJCC, including a dedicated administrative space for the St. James Assiniboia 55-plus Centre, and new, multi-purpose, program and meeting rooms, a community kitchen, and improvements to the auditorium, main building entry, and washrooms.

This facility expansion project will provide enhanced program opportunities and improve accessibility, becoming a multi-generational campus for all to enjoy!

The new arena is to be renamed for local hockey legend Ab McDonald, who played 14 seasons in the NHL and two in the WHA. Ab called St. James home for most of his adult life and was a true sportsman and community ambassador until his passing in 2018.

I want to recognize Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres for her unwavering support and advocacy for this updated age-friendly facility along with Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James) and Assiniboia MLA Scott Johnston for their years of commitment to seeing this exciting local project through.

It truly is a great investment for our community.