WINNIPEG - May 23, 2008 – Committed to the provision of recreation and leisure services in Winnipeg, Premier Gary Doer and Mayor Sam Katz broke ground today on the redevelopment of the Bronx Park Community Centre, located at 131 Chelsea Place.

"This project will help better meet the needs of our seniors and will provide people of all ages with opportunities to boost their health and well-being," said Premier Doer. "The new complex will be the site for sporting activities such as soccer and hockey and will also be the new home of the Good Neighbours Senior Centre."

"The City of Winnipeg is proud to play a leading role to ensure recreational facilities and positive alternatives for our youth are a priority in our City," said Mayor Sam Katz. "And I want to thank the Bronx Park Community Centre and the Good Neighbours Senior Centre for their collaboration in this intergenerational partnership so that we will meet the needs of all our citizens, regardless of age, in the community."

"I would like to thank the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg for taking such a proactive role in the health, fitness, and recreation for the citizens they represent," said Blaine Mooney, President of Bronx Park Community Centre. "With this new facility and our partnership with Good Neighbours Senior Center we will be able to offer more programs to the community as a whole making Bronx Park a true community center".

The new 25,000 sq. ft. facility will serve as the Bronx Park Community Centre and home of the Good Neighbours Senior Centre. Some components of the project include a gymnasium, multi-purpose room, classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, and home improvement and creative arts labs. The plan also calls for extensive site works activity courts, two hockey rinks, playground structure and a new life trail.

Demolition of the pre-existing Bronx Park Community Centre was completed this spring to allow for the construction of the new facility. An official opening is planned for Spring 2009.

This major recreational project in Winnipeg is projected to cost $6.5 million.

Funding was provided by the Winnipeg Foundation, the City of Winnipeg and the Manitoba-Winnipeg Recreation and Leisure Infrastructure Program.

For more information contact:
Carmen Barnett, Press Secretary
Mayor’s Office, 510 Main Street
PH: 311

WINNIPEG - May 23, 2008 – During this national EMS Week, Winnipeg Emergency Medical Services (WEMS) would like to remind citizens of two important initiatives:

Emergency Response Information Kit: 

WEMS would like to remind citizens to update their Emergency Response Information Kit (E.R.I.K.). The E.R.I.K was developed in response to community concerns regarding the availability of adequate information in emergency situations. The kit is ideal for seniors, chronically ill persons, those who live alone or who have caregivers, and others who have speech difficulties or communication barriers. Designed to assist emergency responders, the kit – when completed – provides vital health and emergency contact information (including past medical history, medications list, and an organ donation card).

“Room to Work” for Emergency Responders

Winnipeg ambulances are being outfitted with “Room to Work” stickers, reminding all motorists to take care and caution around emergency personnel and equipment. 

The “Slow Down, Give us Room to Work” campaign is an initiative from the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund in Calgary, AB.