Winnipeg community centres receive $837K in repairs through city grants

More than a dozen Winnipeg community centres are getting renovations thanks to more than $830,000 in grants from the City of Winnipeg.

The money comes from the city's community centre grant program, which has been running since 2012.

There are 13 recipients of the grants:

• Central Corydon.
• Dakota.
• Greendell Park.
• Heritage Victoria.
• Maples.
• Notre Dame.
• Red River.
• Riverview.
• Sinclair Park.
• Valour.
• Varsity View.
• Winakwa.
• Woodhaven.

The money, worth a total of $836,739, will be used for projects including facility repairs and upgrades, such as new lighting, retrofits and safety improvements.

The city made the announcement at an event at Maples Community Centre, which will get a new gym floor, water fountain and paint.

"The community centre renovation grant program ensures that city-owned, board-run community centres have access to much-needed assistance to repair and restore community centres," Mayor Scott Gillingham said at the event on Monday.

"Whether it is improving accessibility or upgrading recreational facilities or enhancing safety features, these renovations will contribute to the ongoing success of these community centres."

The mayor, along with Old Kildonan Coun. Devi Sharma, community services chair Coun. Evan Duncan and General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres executive director Lora Meseman, made the announcement in front of a crowd that included students from Arthur E. Wright School.

"More than 17,000 people volunteer at Winnipeg's community centres, which represents over one million volunteer hours. That's an amazing commitment and an amazing love of community," Sharma said during the event.

A total of $16 million has flowed to Winnipeg community centres since the grant program started.