Winnipeg, MB - Minister of Municipal Government Drew Caldwell, Mayor Brian Bowman, Daryl Reid, MLA for Transcona and Russ Wyatt, City Councillor for the Transcona ward joined community members today to officially open the Transcona East End Community Club Arena.
“Our $3.5 million investment will help families enjoy better recreational opportunities, and have fun with other community members,” said Minister Caldwell. “Investing in better sports facilities means happier communities, healthier children, and a better quality-of-life for all.”
The Transcona East End Community Club arena addition will feature an additional 48,000 square feet of space.
“An additional 48,000 square feet of space means Transcona East End Community Club has more room for spectators and more room for fun, with 3,000 square feet dedicated to important recreation programming,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. "I am proud the City of Winnipeg contributed $3.7 million dollars to this significant expansion, which will meet the community’s needs for recreation space and programming as the neighbourhood, and the desire for ice time, grows.”
Improvements include a new rink with an additional sheet of ice, a 500-seat bleacher area, renovated locker room and shower facilities, a new entrance and foyer, as well as 3000 square feet of new recreation programming space.
“With the expansion of this much-loved centre, our growing community will have better access to recreation activities,” said Daryl Reid, member of the legislative assembly for Transcona. “This project will make a real difference for families in the area.”
The $12.8-million expansion project was made possible by funding from the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba as part of the Manitoba/Winnipeg Infrastructure Agreement.
“By building this new arena, we are meeting the future needs of our growing community with three sheets of ice now under one roof,” said Councillor Russ Wyatt. “The addition to the Transcona East End Arena has also allowed the city to decommission the Roland Michener Arena and find major cost savings.”
The Transcona East End Community Club Inc. also provided $5.4 funding for the project.
“We started this project in 2012 and here we are today, celebrating our amazing accomplishment! I have never been so proud of my board of directors and their families for seeing this project through, in both the good times and tough times. I am so proud of Transcona and this community for making this project possible,” said Bruce Talling, President, East End Community Club. “Transcona truly is a close knit community, thank you to all for making this a reality!”