City announces $1.96 million in grants awarded to community centres

Garden City

Winnipeg

Residents across the city can expect to see several maintenance upgrades coming soon to 24 city-owned community centres.

On June 11, the City of Winnipeg and the General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres (GCWCC) announced $1.96 million will be going towards various recreation centres.

“They’re termed ‘community centres’ for a reason because for generations of Winnipeg, those have been the hubs for community life,” Mayor Scott Gillingham told reporters after the funding announcement at Garden City Community Centre (725 Kingsbury Ave.), which will receive $100,000 for replacements and repairs at the Soccerplex.

“This grant will help us renovate our soccerplex, ensuring the facility remains welcoming, functional, and safe for families, volunteers, participants, (and) community members who use it throughout the year,” said Margie Reis, general manager of Garden City Community Centre/Seven Oaks Sportsplex.

The nearly $2 million capital fund is part of the city’s community centre renovation grant program meant to assist recreation facilities with repairs, upgrades, and renovations with a maximum of $100,000 per project.

All renovation projects must be completed within 18 months of being awarded, according to the program.

“Since the ribbon cutting (10 years ago), families have watched their children grow up in this space, and some of those children are starting families of their own,” said Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan), city councillor for the Garden City area. Investing for generations is what the program is all about, she said.

Of the 63 community centres in Winnipeg, 24 — including Garden City — centres applied and were approved for grant money. The most prevalent projects the grant will be paying for are lighting, flooring, and security upgrades across the city.

Notably, the Roblin Park Community Centre was granted $100,000 to pave an outdoor rink to extend the seasonal use.

“Our vision at GCWCC is to have a strong, connected, and sustainable community centre system that supports vibrant communities across Winnipeg,” said Lora Meseman, executive director of the council.

For the full list of community centres awarded, dollar-amount granted, and intended repairs, visit winnipeg.ca