WINNIPEG - April 20, 2012 - An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today to formally open the newly expanded Winakwa Community Centre. Premier Greg Selinger, Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface, and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz joined Winakwa Community Centre President Robert Gobeil to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of those that helped make the project possible.
The existing Winakwa Community Centre has now virtually doubled in size to accommodate a new, regulation-size gymnasium, four full-sized dressing rooms, a huge general skate change area, new men's and women's washrooms, a viewing area, a multi-purpose room and new front entrance. The renovations to the Centre have optimized existing space to better serve all members of the community.
"Community centres are a magnet for sports, recreational and social activities that benefit the physical and mental health of people of all ages," said Premier Selinger. "The new Winakwa Community Centre is an asset for the entire community, providing a modern, safe and attractive environment that will inspire and encourage participation in healthy activities by everyone who walks through the doors."
"The redevelopment of the Winakwa Community Centre has improved the quality of recreation activities available to community members while creating local jobs during tough economic times," said Parliamentary Secretary Glover on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "Our Government is proud to have supported this project, which will continue to have a positive impact on the community for years to come."
"Over the last 12 years, many volunteers have spent many hours making sure this Community Centre continued to move ahead with its master plan for improved site works and an expanded facility complete with a full size gymnasium," said Mr. Gobeil. "Winakwa Community Centre's Board would, at this time, like to thank those volunteers who would not give up on the dream. This community vision, in combination with the invaluable support of all three levels of government, has resulted in the beautiful new facility you see today."
This $3.5-million dollar project was made possible thanks to joint funding from all three levels of government. The Government of Canada contributed $800,000; the Province of Manitoba invested more than $1.4 million, and the City of Winnipeg provided $1.1 million. The remaining project costs were covered by the Winakwa Community Centre.
For further information on Infrastructure Canada's projects in Manitoba, visit infrastructure.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
To learn more about Manitoba's infrastructure projects, please visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
