Province to invest $1M in WMCA structural upgrades

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This article was published 25/01/2025 (237 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government is investing $1 million to support renovations and upgrades to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) in Brandon.

The investment will ensure the auditorium’s long-term viability and success, the province’s minister for municipal and northern relations, francophone affairs and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, Glen Simard, announced Friday.

“This facility is a hub for the arts and a vital part of the cultural fabric of Brandon and beyond,” Simard said. “This funding goes a long way to ensuring financial stability for the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium and also clears some space in the City of Brandon’s municipal budget.”

The minister explained the government is committed to ensuring that Brandon and the WMCA remain an important cultural hub for Westman.

Brandon City Council is very appreciative of the $1-million investment from the Manitoba government to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Mayor Jeff Fawcett said.

“The original plan involved splitting the $1-million cost of the upgrades evenly between the city and the province,” he told the Sun on Friday.

“With the province stepping in to shoulder the entire cost, the city will no longer need to allocate nearly $500,000 from the 2024 budget for this purpose.”

He described the development as “very good news” for Brandon, the auditorium and the residents who use the facility. The funding will also positively influence the city’s 2025 budget discussions, Fawcett pointed out, resulting in one per cent savings, which will ease the financial burden on Brandon taxpayers while ensuring the WMCA receives the necessary support.

Fawcett noted the upgrades are primarily structural.

“It’s not something people will notice, but it’s essential work that has to get done,” he said. “As the premier performing arts centre in the Westman region, the WMCA is a cornerstone of our community.”

The WMCA is pleased and profoundly grateful, general manager Kaitlyn Mitchell said in a press release issued by the province.

“This substantial funding is pivotal in ensuring the longevity and safety of the WMCA,” she said. “The WMCA has long stood as a pillar of our community, nurturing creativity, enriching our cultural heritage and providing a venue for numerous performances and events.”

With this investment, Mitchell said, the organization extends its heartfelt thanks to the Manitoba government for reaffirming their “collective commitment” to preserving and advancing this essential institution for future generations.

Simard added the one-time funding will also allow the WMCA to complete necessary critical repairs to keep the auditorium safe and functional for audiences, including updates to meet current building codes, egress upgrades for fire compliance, plumbing upgrades and repairs to the foundation and roofing system.

Mitchell did not respond to the Sun’s calls for comment.

The auditorium is Westman’s foremost performing arts venue, located on the grounds of Brandon University.

Established in 1968, the WMCA is a not-for-profit community asset for the city of Brandon and the surrounding areas.

The auditorium hosts a variety of performances, including professional ballet, a symphony orchestra, concerts, community and high school theatrical productions, as well as numerous cultural events and festivals.

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