News in brief: Location for new River Heights library confirmed

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This article was published 23/07/2018 (2938 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Location for new River Heights library confirmed

A brand-new library in River Heights will honour two community champions.

The City of Winnipeg has officially announced the new location for the future River Heights Library on the Grant Park Campus. The Bill & Helen Norrie Library will be located northwest of the Pan Am Pool, near the intersection of Cambridge Street and Poseidon Bay.

The renaming of the River Heights Library commemorates Bill Norrie, who was mayor of the City of Winnipeg from 1979 to 1992, and Helen Norrie, a public school teacher and librarian who was honorary chair of the Cornish and St. John’s Centennial Renewal Campaign.

“I am pleased to have a library mentioning Bill’s name,” Helen Norrie said in a statement. “He was a strong supporter of libraries and of all facilities that helped members of the community.”

According to the City, the new Bill & Helen Norrie Library will replace the existing River Heights Library at 1520 Corydon Ave. and will be 14,000-square-feet in size. It will feature a multi-use space, outdoor reading garden, and accessible parking. Construction is expected to commence in 2019.

“The new Bill & Helen Norrie Library builds on the momentum of record investments we are seeing in our neighbourhood,” Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry) said. “This accessible new library will offer a valuable literacy service that reflects the needs of residents today and tomorrow with an expanded book collection, technology centres, an outdoor reading garden and community programming space for the whole community to enjoy.”

La Barrière Park to become cricket destination

Two new cricket pitches are being built at La Barrière Park to meet the growing demand for playing fields for the sport.

The City of Winnipeg is constructing two fields with concrete pitches as part of a range of improvements to the park at 4403 Waverley St.

“People from all over the world are moving to Winnipeg and many have a passion for playing cricket. It’s been an incredible experience and opportunity to have worked with community leaders Paramjit Shahi, Manoj Chaudhari, Shoib Khan and the Manitoba Cricket Association to make these two cricket fields become a reality,” Coun. Janice Lukes (South Winnipeg-St. Norbert) said in a statement.

Other upgrades to the park include a new fire pit, picnic tables, and sod enhancements. The $50,000 upgrades were financed through the 2018 Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program. The City will also build a new washroom on-site, estimated to cost $500,000. According to City officials, the design for the building is complete and the City is pursuing options to construct the bathroom.

“La Barrière Park is a hidden gem and the arrival of the new cricket fields will provide an excellent opportunity for people to explore nature and play a variety of sports in the park,” Paramjit Shahi, a community member, said. “The cricket fields and other site improvements will be welcome additions to the location.”

Mayor awards SMA grad

St. Mary’s Academy’s Sophia Partyka has been honoured by mayor Brian Bowman for her volunteer work in the community.

Partyka was one of five recipients of the Mayor’s Scholarship for Community Leadership. The $1,000 award recognizes the student’s consistent and outstanding dedication to making their community a better place to live and by solving community problems.

“It is very encouraging to know that so many of our young people care about and are taking action in our community,” Bowman said in a statement. “I am inspired by how these student leaders are already thinking about how they can make our community a better place, and I hope these scholarships will help them continue down that path.”

While at SMA, Partyka helped organize a mental health awareness day for her grade, was chair of the school environmental club, collected personal wellness products for the West Central Women’s Resource Centre, and volunteered at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home, Spence St. Thrift Store, Holy Names House of Peace, Beausejour Animal Hospital, and Welcome Home. She plans to study agribusiness at the University of Manitoba.