Winnipeg, MB - Executive Policy Committee (EPC) today tabled amendments to the City of Winnipeg’s 2014 Preliminary Budget, allocating nearly $1.7 million to re-open Sherbrook Pool.
“We’ve heard very clearly that the people of Winnipeg want to see the doors re-open on Sherbrook Pool,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “I am committed to seeing that this pool is open for use by the Sherbrook Sharks Swim Club, seniors, students and everyone seeking local, affordable, recreation opportunities in Winnipeg’s West-Central community.”
In the City of Winnipeg’s 2013 budget, the Mayor set aside up to $200,000 from the Mayor’s Civic Initiatives Fund in support of Sherbrook Pool. Today’s budget amendments provide total City funding of nearly $1.7 million and call on the Winnipeg Public Service to start work to facilitate the re-opening and to ensure the pool is safe for public use. EPC also requests the Public Service to provide a progress report at the January 2014 Council meeting. The capital budget recommends funding to Sherbrook Pool as follows:
- Up to $200,000 originally set aside from the Mayor’s 2013 Civic Initiatives Fund
- $400,000 from the new Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program
- $600,000 from the Daniel McIntyre Recreational Initiative
- $271,000 from the previously approved Recreation and Leisure Facilities Capital Project
- $200,000 from the Municipal Accommodations 2014 Operating Budget
- The balance of the required funding will be requested from the provincial Winnipeg Community Infrastructure Program, in conjunction with funding from private/not-for-profit groups. Early estimates for repairing the building envelope and mechanical and electric systems total roughly $2.8 million.
Other amendments to the budget resulting from public delegations to EPC include:
- A grant of $75,000 to the Winnipeg Art Gallery for its Inuit Art and Learning Centre capital campaign, with the balance of the funding request referred to the 2015 and 2016 budget processes
- A grant of $75,000 to the Western Canada Aviation Museum for its Skyward - Legends of Canadian Aviation capital campaign, to be located on the site of the former Winnipeg International Airport, with the balance of the funding request referred to the 2015 and 2016 budget processes
- A grant of $39,000 to the African Canadian Foundation to assist in developing a business plan related to the construction of an African cultural and community centre in Winnipeg’s downtown.
- A $5,000 increase in the annual grant to the Heritage Winnipeg Corporation
All of these amendments are subject to Council approval. The 2014 budget will be considered at a meeting of Council on Dec. 17, 2013.
The 2014 budget builds on the City’s long-term plan to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens by renewing our infrastructure, focusing on core services, and building communities through parks and recreation.
Investing in citizens’ priorities ensures that Winnipeg continues to be a great place to live, work and play, now and in the future.