Dakota C.C. expansion hits a snag

St. Boniface

St. Norbert-Seine River

St. Vital

Dakota Community Centre’s “generational” expansion proposal hit a speed bump at the Riel community committee meeting of Feb. 20, when a motion intended to expedite a funding request from the City of Winnipeg was defeated.

A Dakota C.C. delegation of board chair Cory Shangreaux and CEO Michele Augert outlined the community centre’s plan to build a third indoor arena, which would include expanded child-care facilities and a fitness and workout gym. The estimated total cost of the project is $57.5 million; the federal government announced a $7.5 million commitment in December 2025.

However, councillors Matt Allard (St. Boniface) and Brian Mayes (St. Vital) voted against a motion by Coun. Markus Chambers (Seine River) that Dakota’s request for an $8 million contribution be forwarded to the city’s budget review process.

Mayes cited long-term plans to build a new community centre in southeast Winnipeg to serve Sage Creek, Royalwood and Island Lakes, and suggested it should be of greater priority.

“We set aside land on Warde Avenue years ago,” he said. “If this was just a sheet of ice, that’s one thing, but I’m not in support of this in its current form.”

Allard noted that the St. Vital, Bertrand and Maginot arenas must also be maintained.

“I vote no based on maintaining current infrastructure,” he said.

In other business, the Riel committee approved an honorary street naming in St. Norbert.

De La Digue Avenue between Pembina Highway and Rue Landry will be known as Roehle Way in honour of Bob and Judy Roehle, founders of the St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.

“They have been stalwarts in the ward and done a lot regarding preservation and promotion of the area’s heritage,” Chambers said.

“We’re looking at doing a springtime ceremony.”

The next Riel community committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 10.