Winnipeg, MB – The Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, and City of Winnipeg broke ground today on a project that will bring new recreational amenities to the community of Whyte Ridge. The project at Whyte Ridge Community Centre will include the addition of a new 3,000-square-foot accessible spray pad and other park features.
“Community centres play an important role in the lives of Canadians,” said Member of Parliament Terry Duguid, Winnipeg South. They help build strong communities, relationships and a sense of fellowship among neighbours. This investment is about creating an inviting outdoor space for the residents of the Fort Whyte community and beyond to gather and enjoy the outdoors.”
“In Manitoba, community centres are a hub of activity and togetherness for community,” said the Honourable Eileen Clarke, Provincial Minister of Municipal Relations. “The new space that will be created at the Whyte Ridge Community Centre will provide an area for families in southwest Winnipeg to gather and form new relationships for generations to come.”
“More and more young families are moving into Linden Ridge, Whyte Ridge, and the surrounding neighbourhoods,” Councillor Janice Lukes, Waverley West. “I'm very pleased to be working with Whyte Ridge Community Centre on many upgrades and improvements in our community.”
“The southwest area of Winnipeg is greatly lacking in aquatic venues and to have an accessible and free option in this area is incredibly exciting for all the surrounding communities,” said Kimberley O’Hara, President, Whyte Ridge Community Centre. “We are very thankful to our funding partners at the City, Province, and Government of Canada for helping to make this a reality.”
In addition to a new accessible spray pad, the project will include asphalt pathways and seating area, fencing, benches, picnic tables, bike rack, shade structures, and upgraded landscaping. Construction is anticipated to start in August 2022 and the spray pad will be open to the public in summer 2023.
The Council-approved budget for the project is $1 million, with $225,000 of the project budget funded through the City’s Land Dedication Reserve Fund, $400,000 from the provincial share of the Canada Community-Building Fund, and $375,000 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.