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Winakwa Community Centre Redevelopment Project

History/Accomplishments

Established in 1952, Winakwa Community Centre was one of the largest community centres in Winnipeg, serving both Windsor Park and Niakwa Park. A ground-breaking ceremony in 1961 saw the construction of a dance hall and hockey change rooms to accommodate over 800 registered hockey players!

Through the years, Winakwa has grown and changed to meet the needs of the community which now encompasses Southland Park and Promenade du Parc. In the 1980’s, a multi-purpose room, craft room and barrier free washroom were added. In the 90’s, we saw the addition of a new playground and wading pool, as well as an attached garage.

The new millennium saw the formation of the Winakwa Building Committee to address the best approach for future development. Its first order of business was to conduct a survey of area residents to gain input in the planning of improvements at Winakwa. The response was an overwhelming consensus for the following improvements:

·        Replace outdoor hockey rinks

·        Construct indoor gym

·        Renovate building/site

This became the foundation of the Winakwa Redevelopment Project. Through consultation, a practical, cost-effective design was chosen, to be implemented in two phases:

Phase 1:

Phase 1 addressed site works with the following accomplishments valued at nearly $500,000:

·        Demolition of 3 outdoor rinks and storage building

·        Two outdoor rinks were restored (one asphalt, one sod)

·        New players box/storage building was constructed

·        Parking lot was expanded to over twice its original size

·        Portable skateboard park and basketball court were installed

·        LED display pylon sign was installed

·        Landscaping was enhanced

Much of the above work was aided by a huge volunteer effort. Thank you to all those involved!

Moving Forward...

Phase 2:

Phase 2 – Rationale:

Winakwa is an extremely active community centre, with programs for all ages. Over the years, we have introduced basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, table tennis, new dance programs, fitness classes, etc. in response to changing recreation trends. Unfortunately, many of these programs must be accommodated off-site and several new programs have been turned away due to lack of space or improper amenities. Finding available school gym space is a growing challenge, especially with the introduction of mandatory Phys. Ed. for all grades.

Phase 2 – Scope of Work:

 1.    Renovations to the existing building

§        Development of a new public lobby and control office

§        Conversion of existing change rooms to storage

 2.    New addition

§        New front entrance

§        Regulation-size gymnasium

§        Change rooms

§        Washrooms

§        Meeting room

§        Control office

§        Circulation area/hockey change area

Hard work, patience and perseverance have finally paid off as Phase 2 becomes a reality!

Click here for the latest floor plan.