The city is exploring six sites for a potential outdoor aquatic park in St. Boniface, months after city council approved controversial pool closures.
Coronation Park, Happyland Park, Norwood Community Centre, Provencher Park, Water Tower District and Winakwa Community Centre sites are being assessed as possible locations, according to a new public consultation document.
St. Boniface Coun. Matt Allard said he empathizes with folks who unsuccessfully lobbied council to reject a budget proposal to close two outdoor pools in his ward, which he also opposed.
Allard said he’s now committed to securing the new proposed recreation facility.
“After this year’s budget, I’m making it a very high priority in my role as city councillor. I think people spoke loud and clear… to show how important aquatic facilities are, especially pools in the St. Boniface ward,” he said.
Due to the budget decisions, Happyland pool closed this year, and Windsor Park will close after the 2025 outdoor pool season.
During the budget process, city staff projected it would cost millions of dollars to repair and maintain each of the two pools over the next decade.
“There are two pools that council voted to demolish. That’s why a new pool facility is being considered for St. Boniface ward,” said Allard.
He suggested the new facility could be similar in size to the Transcona aquatic park.
The city report deems the Norwood Community Centre, Provencher Park and Water Tower District the sites most suitable for the aquatic park, noting any final recommendation would be based on public feedback, cost and further assessment.
The preliminary plan calls for a heated outdoor pool and a building with change rooms, washrooms and showers. Lap-swimming lanes, an accessible beach entry, waterslides, diving boards, a spray pad, a picnic area, outdoor lockers and outdoor showers could also be considered.
Allard declined to weigh in on which site would be best.
“They all have strengths and weaknesses. That’s part of why we’re going to have this public consultation,” he said.
A survey at winnipeg.ca/stbonifaceaquatics will seek public feedback on the options until Dec. 4, and an open house will take place at Champlain Community Centre (282 Niverville Ave.), from 4-7 p.m. on Nov. 14.
The city said its early assessment of potential pool sites considered multiple factors, including the distance from the St. Vital Outdoor Pool, proximity to high-poverty areas, effects on trees and greenspaces, as well as parking, road access, bike-route access and sewer system impact.
After the consultation, city officials plan to determine cost estimates for the top three sites, then select a preferred one to recommend to city council later this coming winter. For the project to get built, council must vote to approve a plan and fund it.
Coun. Evan Duncan said the city would likely need funding from other governments to afford the multimillion-dollar facility.
“This isn’t something that’s going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time and a significant amount of capital investment,” said Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood).
He’d like the city to explore innovative aquatic ideas, such as an artificial lake, rather than just a standard concrete pool.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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