Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba unveiled today a renovated kitchen at Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre (430 Langside St.). The upgraded space will help support critical community programming and Safe Space operations in the West End facility.
“Our government is happy to partner with the City of Winnipeg to support the important work of Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre,” said Consumer Protection and Government Services Minister Lisa Naylor. “This new kitchen will support our government’s goal of feeding youth across the province and strengthening supports for those who need it.”
“Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre serves as a hub for organizations doing critical work to support the health and well-being of our community,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “This investment complements the City's commitment to supporting 24/7 Safe Space like WE24 and the kitchen upgrades play a key role in supporting community programming. I want to thank the Province for their investment and everyone involved in this project for their dedication to enhancing the centre’s facilities and ultimately improving the lives of those in our community.”
“Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre is an incredibly important community space in the West End, and there’s no better way to gather a community than sharing food,” said Evan Duncan, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “I’m grateful to the Province, and all of our partners who deliver programming at the centre for supporting this project, and I know this wonderful new kitchen will be put to good use for many years to come.”
The kitchen will primarily be used by community organizations operating youth drop-in, adult learning, and Safe Space programming in the centre, including Healthy Start, Spence Neighbourhood Association, Taking Charge!, and WE24.
“Spence Neighbourhood Association typically makes up to 200 meals per day for neighbourhood youth. Especially for those who are out of school or living on their own, this is their main meal of the day, and they depend on it,” said Michele Wikkerink, Executive Director, Spence Neighbourhood Association. “This kitchen will allow us to improve our meal service, hire a dedicated chef, and switch to reusable dishes so we can decrease waste. We are grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen.”
Work included a complete renovation of the kitchen and auxiliary room to commercial standards, including new mechanical and electrical systems, new wall finishes and flooring, new millwork, and new kitchen equipment and accessories.
The project’s budget came from the provincially funded City of Winnipeg Recreation and Library Facility Strategy, in the amount of $340,000.