Funds announced for St. James Civic Centre’s upgrade

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This article was published 29/07/2021 (1201 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An expansion of the St. James Civic Centre is on the way.

Politicians from all three levels of government gathered Friday to announce a funding agreement for a 14,000-square-foot facility expansion expected to cost about $14 million. 

“Spaces like these play a huge role in our everyday lives. It’s important to do what we can to expand and improve them and meet growing needs,” said Terry Duguid, the Liberal MP for Winnipeg South. 

Under an Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program agreement, the federal government will provide $5.2 million for the expansion and the province will pay $4.4 million. 

The city will pay $4.3 million in total, which covers some costs that weren’t eligible for tri-government funding.

The cash will go toward a new multi-purpose program, meeting rooms, a dedicated administrative space for the St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre and a community kitchen, as well as improvements to the auditorium, main building entry and washrooms. 

“The goal of this facility will be to see it become a multi-generational facility… and serve our community well,” said Scott Gillingham, the city councillor for St. James. 

Politicians noted planning for the expansion has been underway for several years, which one critic argues reflects an unnecessary delay. 

The NDP MLA for St. James accused the provincial government of holding up the expansion by failing to fund it sooner. 

“While the PCs dragged their heels, seniors, kids and community members lost access to the programs and facilities that help them stay healthy and active,” Adrien Sala said in an emailed statement. 

The city applied for the funding in the fall of 2019. 

The civic centre, which is owned and operated by the city, was built in 1966. 

The centre was closed in April 2020 for a previously funded $9.7-million renovation to upgrade the building. That work, which is underway, included replacing mechanical and electrical systems, replacing two roofs, repairing the concrete arena slab, bringing building systems up to code and adding a new fire-suppression system.