Winnipeg, MB – Building on the decisions made during the multi-year balanced budget process earlier this year, investments in community services continue to be a focus of the Preliminary 2021 Balanced Budget Update.
“Recreation facilities and libraries are essential amenities that support Winnipeg families,” said Sherri Rollins, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “These investments support inclusion, access, recreation, and cultural destinations like our libraries. Listening to Winnipeggers, we know their overarching budget priorities are for investment in recreational and library facilities.”
Community services was identified in public engagement for the budget as Winnipeggers’ number one priority. The multi-year balanced budget process last year included recommendations for the closure of some City facilities, but feedback received from residents resulted in those City facilities remaining open.
The Preliminary 2021 Balanced Budget Update includes millions of dollars in investments toward the facilities residents depend on. The annual operating budget in the Community Services Department increases by 1.6 percent from $106.9 million in 2020 to $112 million in 2023 to maintain core services and programming. This includes a historic 3-year, $50 million towards the Recreation and Library Investment Strategy from the $75 million annual provincial capital grants the City receives, confirmed by the Province of Manitoba for each of the next three years.
“Creating a vibrant and healthy Winnipeg in which all residents can thrive depends on continued investments in infrastructure, our public green spaces, and a sport and recreation system in which people of all income levels to come together,” said Vivian Santos, Acting Deputy Mayor. “As a city, we know the built environment correlates to the physical, social, and economic health of a community. I am pleased to see that there is an opportunity in every ward in Winnipeg to have a direct benefit from this funding.”
The Recreation and Library Investment Strategy includes important investments in new and existing facilities across the city. A major focus of this strategy is making recreation investments in high need areas of the city, which was a critical recommendation of the Illicit Drug Task Force Report.
Major investments in this plan (which are included in an administrative report that is still subject to Council approval) include:
- $15 million for critical building renewal and repairs at indoor pools across the city, including Pan Am, Cindy Klassen, Seven Oaks, and St. James Assiniboia Centennial pools
- $5.9 million to redevelop the Old Ex arena and adjacent site improvements
- $5.5 million for upgrades to the Millennium, St. James, and Westwood libraries
- $1.8 million for the renewal of Turtle Island Recreation Centre
“I’m pleased to see that the Preliminary 2021 Balanced Budget Update makes millions of dollars in important investments into community services that will help ensure the facilities residents depend on will be enjoyed for years to come,” said Rollins.