Preserving and upgrading Transcona’s parks
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/04/2021 (785 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
One thing COVID-19 has shown our community is that we have places to explore outdoors. Transcona is the Park City and with that we have many community parks to explore, play and enjoy.
However, many are aging and at the time of either replacement or removal. It is important to not leave our community without play places, as Waterside Estates was since inception of the sub-division. But with costs ranging from $100,000-$200,000 for park renewal, something has to give when the mayor’s budget only affords the Transcona ward $113,000 in 2021 for these undertakings.
This park construction season will see William Reid Park and Barry Tot Lot converted to passive parks. The parks will be preserved as park spaces but without the playground equipment.
Due to space limitations of this article I will speak to William Reid Park, which is dedicated to a First World War veteran and someone who committed years to improving Transcona on his return from war. Family members of Mr. Reid were concerned that this park and some others in the community might be declared surplus and redeveloped for condos or some other purpose and, through dialogue, historical designation was suggested for four specific parks in “old” Transcona. As a result, a community committee moiton has been crafted and will be heard on April 7 as a first step. If you want to have your thoughts on the record, please email my office so I can forward them to the city clerk’s office.
Now that you’ve read that William Reid isn’t being redeveloped, sold off or having the beautiful trees removed, we can discuss briefly what is being done to support families wanting to play in the area on playground equipment.
Kern Park is being redeveloped as a priority this year — and William Reid will not be turned passive until this work is complete. An investment of $192,000 from the city will be incorporated to renew Kern Park to support the growing area nearby to the new Leola Village apartment complex that will open this year.
Kern Park is a beautiful park as well and this investment will support many community members in Transcona looking for a fun place to explore.
Should you want to discuss this or other items of concern please call 204-986-8087 or email snason@winnipeg.ca
Shawn Nason
Transcona ward report
Shawn Nason is the city councillor for Transcona ward.