Winnipeg, MB - Watching and participating in ice sports and other events at the St. Vital Centennial Arena has become more comfortable over the past four years thanks to $400,000 in investments by the City of Winnipeg.
“During hockey season, families and hockey fans spend a great deal of time in arenas,” said St. Vital Ward Councillor, Brian Mayes. “The investments made in the St. Vital Centennial Arena will make this facility more enjoyable for the people using the facility. I am proud of the City’s partnership with the St. Vital Minor Hockey Association and know that these improvements will be enjoyed by families from St. Vital and every area of the City.”
"The St. Vital Minor Hockey Association is grateful for the financial support received from Councillor Brian Mayes and the City of Winnipeg,” said Clifton Dorge, President, St. Vital Minor Hockey Association. “The investment into the infrastructure of the arena will serve the community well for years to come.”
The arena, opened in 1970, has seen upgrades to the dressing room fixtures and showers as well as the purchase of new ice maintenance equipment. The replacement of heating and ventilation systems in the lobby and dressing rooms has not only improved conditions for players and visitors to the arena, but has resulted in lower utility bills for the St. Vital Minor Hockey Association, who operate the City-owned facility.
Funds for the upgrades to the facility were provided through a $100,000 grant in 2014 and a $200,000 grant in 2015. An additional $100,000 was funded in 2014 from the Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program.
Upgrades at the arena included:
- Lobby and dressing room heating and ventilation upgrades - completed in 2018
- New Zamboni for ice making and maintenance - purchased in 2015
- Dressing room doors replaced - completed in 2016
- Dressing room showers and fixture upgrades - completed in 2016
- Plumbing upgrades and repairs - completed in 2016