July 24, 2018
Province Commits $3.9 Million for Updates to St. James Civic Centre
The Manitoba government is committing up to $3.9 million to the City of Winnipeg to support updates to the St. James Civic Centre, Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton and Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today.
“Our government is pleased to support local projects that enhance community facilities and revitalize neighbourhoods,” said Wharton. “Community centres across the province play key roles in our lives and are hubs for neighbourhood gatherings. These updates to the St. James Civic Centre will ensure the facility meets the needs of the community for years to come.”
The proposed project will support enhanced space for programming for seniors, children and families. Examples include new and improved multi-purpose rooms, an auditorium for fitness programs and special events, weight room, carpentry shop and a drop-in computer room. The provincial funding will enable the City of Winnipeg to refurbish the buildings and ensure the design meets the current and anticipated future uses of the facility, Wharton added.
“The St. James Civic Centre has been an important part of this community for more than 50 years,” said Fielding. “The province is committed to supporting this project so the centre can continue to meet the needs of the residents of St. James well into the future.”
“The St. James Civic Centre is an age-friendly place where people of all ages and cultures can meet and participate in many healthy opportunities,” said Connie Newman, executive director of Manitoba Association of Senior Centres. “The centre is a place available to people both young and old to come meet others, to be socially connected, to learn, play and be healthy.”
The $3.9-million commitment is in addition to the support available to the City of Winnipeg under its municipal infrastructure funding basket for 2018, Wharton said. He added the province will work in partnership with the City of Winnipeg to develop a funding agreement to outline the scope of the project and set timelines.
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