St. James Civic Centre closed for $17-M expansion – Winnipeg Free Press
St. James Civic Centre Expansion
The St. James Civic Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is undergoing a $17 million expansion project, funded by the city, province, and federal government. This project will lead to the addition of a multipurpose room, meeting rooms, a kitchen, and expanded program space for the St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre.
Closure and Timeline
The Civic Centre is closed until fall 2026 to accommodate the expansion. While the centre is closed for renovations, the Ab McDonald Arena will remain open during its regular ice seasons. This closure follows a previous $10 million renovation project completed in 2022, which experienced delays.
Improvements
In addition to new spaces, the expansion includes improvements to the parking lot, swimming pool viewing area, auditorium, some washrooms, and the main entrance. The city mayor, Scott Gillingham, stated that the temporary closure is a necessary step for long-term benefits.
Alternative Facilities
City officials encourage residents to utilize alternative recreation facilities available in the city, details of which can be found on the Winnipeg city website.
A major recreation hub in St. James is closed to allow for an expansion and won’t reopen until fall 2026.
The St. James Civic Centre at 2055 Ness Ave. is undergoing a $17-million expansion, with funding from the city, province and Ottawa.
The closure timeline was revealed at an event Friday, while the city noted the Ab McDonald Arena will remain open during its regular ice seasons.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
Mayor Scott Gillingham hands over a shovel to Logan Oxenham, MLA for Kirkfield Park.
The expansion will add a multi-purpose room, meeting rooms and kitchen, as well as program space for the St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre. It will also improve the parking lot, swimming pool viewing area, auditorium, some washrooms and the main entrance.
Mayor Scott Gillingham said the pause in many recreation programs at the site will be worth it in the long run.
“This is a case where it’s the proverbial short-term pain for long-term gain… This temporary closure to get this construction project completed will lead to a long-term benefit for multiple generations,” said Gillingham.
City officials suggest residents check out alternative swimming, recreation, and leisure facilities at winnipeg.ca/recreation
Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter
The St. James Civic Centre was closed from April 2020 to September 2022 to accommodate a separate $10-million update to its structure, arena slab, lighting, electrical and mechanical systems. Construction was only scheduled to last 14 months for that project but was extended due to delays.
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
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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