Winnipeg, MB - Today Mayor Sam Katz, Rossmere MLA Erna Braun, Deputy Mayor Russ Wyatt and Board members of the East End Community Centre announced exciting new plans for the creation of an expanded East End Community Tri-plex in Transcona with a new sheet of ice and new, modern facilities. Today’s announcement represents the first community partnership under the City of Winnipeg’s new Indoor Arena Strategy, and includes a 48,000 square foot expansion, slated for opening in Fall 2014.
Tomorrow, the City’s Executive Policy Committee will consider a report recommending that the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba enter into a funding partnership with the East End Community Centre Board. The proposed expansion will turn the two-rink arena into a tri-plex facility. While the City will retain ownership of the facility, the management and operations will be undertaken by the East End Community Centre Board.
“With today’s announcement, families and children can look forward to new, modern, arenas to meet their needs,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Our older arenas are no longer meeting the needs of the community and I am extremely grateful the volunteers at East End Community Centre are showing such incredible community spirit and determination to make this expanded multi-plex viable over the long term.”
“The province is pleased to support projects like these that strengthen local communities and create new recreational opportunities for families,” said Rossmere MLA Erna Braun. “Expansion of this arena will benefit families of all ages and encourage people to get out and be more active, especially in the winter months.”
The $9 million expansion is to be funded 1/3 each by the City, Province and East End Community Centre. The majority of arena facilities in Winnipeg are over 40 years old and no longer meet the needs of community residents. The City is working to implement an arena strategy aimed at improving and modernizing recreation facilities throughout Winnipeg, while at the same time strengthening our community centre model, a unique made-in-Winnipeg recreation system.
“The East End Community Centre volunteer Board of Directors is to be commended for its leadership and vision in this arena expansion project,” said Deputy Mayor Russ Wyatt (City Councillor for Transcona). “Board members have dedicated countless volunteer hours over the last year to ensuring that the 48,000 square foot addition meets the community’s needs and is done with a real business plan ensuring a sound long-term financial plan.”
“The East End Community Club is pleased that in partnership with the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg that we are able to bring the community of Transcona a modern Recreation Centre that will serve our youth and families for today and into the future,” said Don Gale, Past President, East End Community Club.
This expansion, slated to being this spring or summer, will result in:
- a 48,000 square foot addition, which includes:
- new rink (additional sheet of ice)
- 500 seat bleacher area
- added and renovated locker room and shower facilities
- 3,000 square feet of new recreation programming space
- modernized canteen
- new entrance, new foyer, pro-shop and increased parking
In accordance with the City of Winnipeg’s Recreation, Leisure and Libraries Facility Policy, the report recommends that Roland Michener Arena (which has an estimated deferred infrastructure deficit of $5 million to $8 million) be decommissioned, declared surplus and the land sold for the purpose of a senior’s housing project, with net proceeds from the sale to be reinvested in the Transcona Centennial Aquatics Park and Pool. The Roland Michener Arena will remain fully operational throughout the 2013-14 hockey season.
An administrative report will be considered by the City’s Executive Policy Committee on Friday, February 22, 2013.