The Winakwa Community Centre

Winakwa Community Centre Redevelopment Project

The Winakwa Community Centre will move forward on an expansion and renovation announced on June 29, thanks to funding from all three levels of government. The province is the largest investor, putting $1.12 million into the redevelopment project.

The federal government will contribute $800,000 with a matching $800,000 provided by Manitoba. Under the Recreation Leisure Infrastructure Program (RLIP), the province is contributing an additional $320,000 towards this project. Another $480,000 is from the City of Winnipeg, while Winakwa Community Centre will fund the remaining $233,950.

Bidhu Jha, MLA for Radisson, was on hand for the announcement. After people in the community raised the issue during the 2007 election campaign, Jha committed to support funding for this expansion, with the full backing of Premier Gary Doer.

“Bidhu has always been a strong supporter of the great things we do at Winakwa Community Centre,” said project coordinator Ben Lee. “It is through his continued support that we were able to secure funds from all three levels of government to build a gymnasium. We can now look forward to accommodating new programs for our community.”

Jha said building recreational opportunity is important to the Doer government. “I am pleased to support the community on this project, and I commend the Winakwa Community Centre for all their hard work on this project,” said the MLA. “Not only does this project improve recreational opportunities for the community, but also creates jobs and stimulates the economy.”

Under the project, the Winakwa Community Centre will construct a full-sized gymnasium, including a new front entrance, change rooms, washrooms, mechanical and circulation area as well as renovations to the existing space.

"On behalf of the Board of Winakwa Community Centre and our many members, I am pleased to accept the opportunity to fulfill the much needed expansion to our facility,” said Robert K. Gobeil, president of the Winakwa Community Centre. “This will enable us to better serve the needs of the many seniors, adults and children of our community."

Today’s announcement continues the important steps the Province of Manitoba is taking to support economic growth by investing $1.6 billion this year into infrastructure to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and renew the province’s roads, schools, health facilities, and water treatment facilities.

For more information about the project, please contact Jha’s office at 222-0074.