Community representative Doug Stiles said, “Our community group was quite pleased with the process and the positive outcome. The level of improvement envisioned for SVMP is something the neighbourhood and community can enthusiastically support.”

The major elements of the SVMP concept plan can be summarized as follows: 

• Identify an 18, 000 sq. ft. expansion to the YMCA building footprint
• Identify a maximum of 200 parking stalls in two parking areas
• Identify the relocation and construction of two athletic fields
• Identify the relocation and construction of a six lane running track
• Identify an internal pathway system and pedestrian amenities
• Identify enhancements to the site landscaping
• Protect land for the possible construction of a new field house

Community representative Ross Edye-Rowntree said, “The SVMP land use concept reflects the long term community priority of maintaining and enhancing green space and also allows for the YMCA – YWCA to remain in the community.”

Dave Young, CEO of the YMCA – YWCA of Winnipeg remarked, “Our organization is also very happy with the process and the results of the community participation process. It allows us to maintain and enhance our presence at the current site and provide significant new facilities and programs to the community.”

The public involvement process initiated by St. Vital Councillor Gord Steeves was instrumental in obtaining community consensus on both the long term status of the St. Vital YMCA – YWCA facility as well as preparing a land use concept for the SVMP site that clearly establishes this undertaking as a legacy project for the community.

Councillor Steeves indicated that, “every community needs special places for its residents to take pride in and enjoy. St. Vital Memorial Park is certainly such a special place in the hearts and minds of this community. I wanted to ensure that SVMP would be enhanced and improved by our plan and I can now clearly see that we have achieved this goal. The redevelopment of SVMP and continued presence of the YMCA facility will serve to strengthen this St. Vital community. I am proud of the people who participated in this process on behalf of their community and look forward to the implementation phase of our initiative.”

Total costs to reconfigure and upgrade SVMP are estimated to be approximately $1.5 M. The YMCA – YWCA facility expansion is estimated at approximately $4 M. A planning report will be prepared by civic administration and formally submitted to both the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development for the City of Winnipeg as well as the Louis Riel School Division for further consideration. Following final review and approval of the project, it is anticipated that construction work can commence in the spring of 2005.