NDP pumps another $1M into Park centre

The Manitoba NDP government is putting another $1 million into reconstruction of Brandon’s Park Community Centre, Premier Wab Kinew announced on Friday.

The fully reconstructed centre, which will open its doors in about two years, includes 68 daycare spaces, a kitchen and a new main hall. The province has now chipped in a total of $7 million, along with $1.4 million from the City of Brandon and $100,000 from Heritage Co-op.

“We’re really excited about this. This is going to bring child care and recreational and social space to a new level in this part of Brandon. But importantly, this is a hub for community,” Kinew said.

Kinew made the announcement at the centre on Friday afternoon with Brandon East MLA Glen Simard, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett and centre president Ken Friedrich.

“We’ve got to prioritize community centres like this because it’s an investment in neighbourhoods and in the next generation,” Kinew said.

Kinew applauded the community and board members who have pushed for financial aid for years to keep the aging community centre from being torn down.

“I’m super happy that we have a community like this where people step up and say, ‘This is what matters to us. We have great memories of growing up in this area, and we want to make sure that the next generation can make memories like that too,’” he said.

Simard said the building is more than just a community centre.

“This will be a cornerstone of downtown Brandon for years and years to come,” said Simard, who is also the minister of municipal and northern relations.

He highlighted the creation of 68 new child-care spaces, which will be operated by the YMCA.

“We all know that having access to child care could be the difference between putting food on your table or struggling harder than before,” he said.

The new funding means the entire projected cost for the reconstruction is now covered, Simard said. It also means the city can put out requests for proposals right away.

“We’ll take a cheaper price if we can get it,” Simard said. “But we’re in. This is fully funded. We have an operator ready to go, and we’re open for business.”

Friedrich said after the press conference that while he’s “happy” that the 1428 Louise Ave. centre is now completely funded, he’s hesitant to celebrate until shovels hit the dirt.

“We’ve been through this for so long now,” Friedrich said. “We’re all happy, there’s no ifs or buts, and we’re thankful for everything that the province and the city have done for us. But I think until our board sees shovels in the ground, then that’s when we’ll start to kind of be a little more smiley and more jovial.”

The board will continue to look for grants, as “you never know” what will happen before construction starts, especially with international tariffs and rising prices for construction, he said.

During the press conference, he thanked Kinew, Simard and Fawcett for their support.

“We always knew we’re going to get here, but it’s because of these three men — the mayor, the premier and Mr. Simard — that we are standing here today. They all came together and made this happen,” Friedrich said.

He said while the revamped building will be a little bit smaller than the current version, the layout itself will largely be the same. The gardens on the south side of the building will be removed, and discussions are ongoing about where they can go.

Fawcett said the project is part of a bigger picture across the city.

“These projects are making our city more vibrant, more inclusive and more welcome,” Fawcett said.

“We’re building a downtown that reflects the heart and soul of our city, a place where families can thrive, where kids can grow and where seniors can stay connected — a place that brings people together.”

The announcement was part of a string of announcements the governing NDPs made in Westman ahead of its 2025 convention this weekend.

» alambert@brandonsun.com