Winnipeg, MB - Mayor Sam Katz joined members of Winnipeg’s Punjabi-Canadian community to celebrate the newly-constructed Punjab Cultural Centre on King Edward St. The centre will include an elementary school, a day care, a seniors’ area, a large multi-purpose room and will support children, youth, seniors and new immigrants.
“With a focus on education, recreation and social activities, the Punjab Cultural Centre will draw people of all ages, providing a welcoming atmosphere for new immigrants and long-time Winnipeggers alike,” said Mayor Katz. “Centres like this one meet the needs of the communities they serve and help to connect people of different cultures.”
This afternoon, the Mayor presented representatives of the Punjab Cultural Centre with a grant of $54,000 from the Mayor’s civic initiatives fund.
"We’ve been dreaming about this cultural centre for almost 10 years,” said Amarjeet S. Warraich, President of Manitoba Sikh Seniors and Cultural Centre and co-Chair of the Punjab Cultural Centre. “This new, larger centre will allow us to promote our culture, heritage and language, and help to ensure that our young people contribute to Winnipeg’s diverse multi-cultural community. We are grateful the Mayor recognizes that strong community connections help to build socially-minded citizens who will make positive contributions to our city.”
Today, parents and children toured the centre’s new classroom space in preparation for classes to begin this September. Planning is now underway for the centre’s official grand opening. The total cost for the new facility is expected to be $9.2 million. Visit the Punjab Cultural Centre website for more information.