Winnipeg, MB - It was an exciting day in Garden City this afternoon as ground was broken at the site of the new 100,000 square foot Seven Oaks Arena. Premier Greg Selinger, Mayor Sam Katz, Kildonan MLA Dave Chomiak and Old Kildonan Councillor Devi Sharma joined Garden City Community Centre Board officials and members of the community for the event.
As announced earlier this year, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg have entered into a partnership with the Garden City Community Centre Board to fund the project. The $17 million multi-plex is being funded 1/3 each by the City, Province and Garden City Community Centre. While the City will retain ownership of the facility, the management and operations will be undertaken by the Garden City Community Centre Board.
“Sports facilities create an anchor for communities by attracting people of all ages to activities that focus on fitness, health and community spirit,” said Premier Selinger. “A sports complex of this magnitude requires the combined efforts of so many dedicated members of the community, and the support from both levels of government clearly shows our willingness to partner with communities to bring their goals to a successful conclusion.”
“The members of the community have worked tirelessly to see this project through to today’s ground-breaking,” said Mayor Katz. “I am pleased that the City and Province were able to partner with the Garden City Community Centre to fund the new Seven Oaks Arena. We are thrilled to see this project get underway and are confident that this will be a fantastic facility, serving many generations in this community.”
“Today’s sod turning marks the first step in the real bricks and mortar part of this exciting project, the part where we can see the results of months of planning that is bringing this new arena and sports complex to our community,” said Chomiak. “"Replacing or rejuvenating neighbourhood infrastructure, including many recreation and sports centres like this, creates a healthier, more vibrant community for the families who live there.”
"The new Seven Oaks Arena will be a gathering place for recreation and social activities for all,” said Sharma. "This project is an example of governments working in partnership with community leaders to address the needs of communities. I am proud to be a part of this process, which will ensure families in this area have access to a modern facility with amenities well into the future."
"As President of Garden City Community Centre, I am very excited to participate in our sod turning ceremony today,” said Andy Haworth, President of Garden City Community Centre Board. “With this event, we are one step closer to turning our dream into reality. I think we will make the Seven Oaks Community proud of our new facility."
The new 100,000 square foot facility will feature:
- a twin rink arena and multi-use space
- fitness and retail space
- 3,000 square feet of new programming space on second floor
Completion of the new facility is targeted for the Fall of 2014.