Winnipeg, MB – Cricket fans in Waverley West will soon have more options for playing the popular sport, as construction nears completion on two new pitches in the Bridgwater and Waverley Heights neighbourhoods.
Both pitches — a youth pitch at Chancellor Park (1264 Markham Rd.) and an adult pitch at Bridgwater Lakes Park (200 Bridge Lake Dr.) — will feature premium artificial turf, along with grading improvements to each site. Construction is anticipated to wrap up in October, with the pitches open to the public in spring 2025.
The new amenities were celebrated today by project partners, including the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, and South Winnipeg Community Centre.
“Sports bring people together and help strengthen our communities,” said Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “These new cricket pitches will create fun spaces in Waverly West, offering more opportunities for Winnipeggers to create meaningful memories for years to come.”
“Cricket is a sport for all ages and skill levels, allowing for the novice and expert alike to take part,” said Lisa Naylor, Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services. “Our government is pleased to pitch in and get the ball rolling on these exciting new projects in Waverley West. These new pitches will bring much vitality to our community.”
“People have been playing cricket in Manitoba for over 150 years,” said Janice Lukes, Councillor for Waverley West. “The Bridgwater Lakes Park cricket field is regulation size and will be a spectacular playing field for all ages. The Chancellor Park field is designed as a youth field and will serve all the up-and-coming cricket stars! I’m thrilled to have championed the installation and upgrade of three cricket fields in the Waverley West ward, and three new fields in La Barriere Park.”
“We at the South Winnipeg Community Centre are committed to creating equitable sporting opportunities for everyone in our community,” said Masroor Khan, President of the South Winnipeg Community Centre Board. “These new cricket pitches are a testament to our dedication to fostering inclusivity and promoting physical activity among all age groups. We are proud to support initiatives that bring people together and enhance the quality of life in Waverley West.”
The total budget for the two projects was $207,500, with $87,000 funded through the federal Canada Community-Building Fund, $26,000 from the provincial Building Sustainable Communities Program, and $59,000 from the City of Winnipeg’s Parks and Recreation Enhancement Fund. South Winnipeg Community Centre also contributed $35,500 towards the Chancellor Park cricket pitch.
Council approved funding for the Bridgwater Lakes Park cricket pitch through the COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Plan, which focuses on enhancing active transportation, improving regional park infrastructure, and adding accessible recreational amenities in underserved areas of the city.