Winnipeg, MB - In order to provide more efficient, green and cost effective services to Winnipeg citizens, Mayor Sam Katz and City Councillors Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) and Thomas Steen (Elmwood-East Kildonan) officially opened the City’s new East Yard complex today. The new facility, located in the Elmwood area, combines the operations of several Public Works Department divisions and a new Winnipeg Fleet Management Agency facility into one location.
Moving several functions to the new complex has allowed the City to vacate a number of properties which are beyond their useful life and will save an estimated $15 million over the next 30 years. These savings are a result of reduced operating costs such as energy costs, service delivery efficiencies and future tax revenues from development of vacated properties.
Located on a former landfill site at 960 Thomas Avenue, the East Yard complex consists of five buildings including a field office, garage, shops, and storage facilities.
“The new East Yard complex brings several branches of Public Works together, providing efficient office environments and well-lit, spacious vehicle storage areas,” said Mayor Katz. “This previously underutilized 50 acre site has been developed into a modern, well-designed facility that will serve the department and the City of Winnipeg for years to come.”
“The consolidation of several old, inefficient Public Works yards allows the City to introduce best-practices in operations and management of Public Works and Fleet services in one location,” Councillor Jeff Browaty, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property & Development said. “From a planning perspective, it’s been exciting to reclaim a former landfill area and turn it into productive space, hosting a number of new buildings.”
The 124,347 sq. ft. complex also includes space for 200 - 273 staff depending on the season. The facility was built with the environment in mind and the City has applied for LEED silver certification.
Completed on time and on budget, the East Yard complex now houses Streets Maintenance East Area, Parks & Open Space East Area, Parks & Open Space Centralized Services, Bridge Operations and will house Equipment Operator Training in the near future. A new Fleet Management Agency facility is also located within the 50 acre site in order to provide more localized fleet maintenance services on the East side of the city.