Winnipeg, MB – Today, the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, and Pacific Junction School celebrated the new playground at Pacific Junction Heritage Park (685 Cathcart St.). The newly redeveloped park is now open for neighbourhood families and children from the nearby K-5 school.
The redevelopment of Pacific Junction Heritage Park includes a new accessible ramped play structure, swing set, safety surfacing, asphalt pathways, outdoor classroom area, fencing, seating areas with new benches and picnic table, and newly planted trees.
“With the completion of the newly renovated park and playground, the community gains a welcoming space for friends and families to enjoy outdoor activities,” said Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This project will promote active lifestyles and strengthen community bonds, allowing Winnipeggers of all ages to come together and create countless memories.”
“We value these opportunities to work with partners to improve our communities, as we share a common vision of creating safe, accessible and multipurpose spaces for people to come together,” said Lisa Naylor, Province of Manitoba, Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services. “Pacific Junction Heritage Park is an excellent example of this and I am excited to see neighborhood families enjoy this new revitalized space.”
“Reinvesting in playgrounds is investing in the future — nurturing creativity, building connections, and giving children a safe space to grow, learn, and thrive,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Charleswood – Tuxedo – Westwood ward and Chair of the Standing Policy Committee of Water, Waste and Environment. “Pacific Junction Heritage Park is a great example of three levels of government working together to revitalize the heart of this community.”
“At Pacific Junction School, we are big supporters of the power of play and of spending time playing and learning together outdoors,” said Principal Jane Rowland, Pacific Junction School. “We are very grateful to Councillor Duncan, the City of Winnipeg, and funding partners for this beautiful play space adjacent to our school. We are thrilled that this space is inclusive and accessible, so that our students and their families can learn, care for and play together. This is how we build inclusive community and a sense of belonging for all.”
The project cost was $431,000, with $217,000 funded through the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) and $214,000 from the City’s Parks and Recreation Enhancement Program.
Council approved CCBF funding for the project 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.