Keep on running

Norwood

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This article was published 12/07/2023 (879 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The proposed running track at Nelson McIntyre Collegiate has taken another step forward.

At an event on June 23, Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) and Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface) announced funding for the Norwood school’s backyard revitalization project.

Specifically, the funding is for two outdoor aspects of a previously announced project that will rebuild and redesign the school’s greenspace, which is — in-turn — is an extension of Nelson Mac’s years-long reimagination of its learning model.

The student-initiated revitalization project is focused on the key question of how the school’s community can use its exterior space to extend and reflect the learning that goes on inside the school, while also being accessible to the communities of Norwood, St. Boniface, and St. Vital.

To help fulfil this vision, Mayes is providing a $400,000 grant to rebuild the decaying, gravel running track and transform it into a new 200-metre, rubberized track. Allard is kicking in $30,000 to help with the cost of the school’s recently completed basketball court.

Mayes’ funding is through the St. Vital ward’s land dedication reserve and parks recreation enhancement program budget, and Allard’s is through the St. Boniface ward’s land dedication reserve, according to a news release.

Noting that he labelled NMC’s track the worst in the city on social media in 2020, Mayes — an avid runner himself — said certain respondents to his tweet surmised he’d be willing to support the cause.

“In a way, they outsmarted me,” he said, with a laugh.

“This all came together,” Mayes said, noting he’s happy to be part of a legacy for future track users in the area for generations to come. “This is not, technically, in my ward, but I know kids in my ward go to the school.”

This latest development marks the fifth outdoor running track in the city — that’s been built or rebuilt — in the last four years. Mayes said each project has relied on co-operation between city councillors and the respective school divisions.

“The real heroes of this project are the kids who’ve been part of the backyard project process,” Mayes said.

Mayes said the predicted timeline of the Nelson McIntyre Collegiate track build is this summer.