St. James Civic Centre closed for $17-M expansion – Winnipeg Free Press
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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