Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba unveiled today a renovated kitchen at Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre (510 King St.). The upgraded space will help support healthy food options and community programming in the Lord Selkirk Park and William Whyte neighbourhoods.
“Strong communities start with safe, welcoming spaces where people can connect and take care of each other,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This renovated kitchen will help deliver healthy food and great programming to families in William Whyte, and it shows what we can accomplish when we collaborate across levels of government and with community partners.”
“Access to healthy food and welcoming community spaces is essential for building strong, resilient neighbourhoods,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “This upgraded kitchen will serve as a cornerstone for programs that nourish both body and spirit; especially for families and youth in the William Whyte area. I’m grateful for the partnership with the Province of Manitoba and the many local organizations that bring life and purpose to Turtle Island Neighbourhood Centre every day.”
“Turtle Island’s new kitchen will fill a gap for food security and good food decisions in an area currently not served by other food security initiatives in the North End,” said Councillor Ross Eadie, Mynarski.
The kitchen will primarily be used to prepare healthy snacks for City of Winnipeg Priceless Fun programs, and by community organizations operating programming in the centre, including Ma Mawi Wi Ichi Itata, Winnipeg School Division, and Graffiti Arts Programming.
Work included a complete renovation to make the kitchen universally accessible, new cabinets, counter tops, commercial-grade appliances, and an expanded pantry area to better serve users.
The project’s budget came from the provincially-funded City of Winnipeg Recreation and Library Facility Investment Strategy, in the amount of $1.8 million.