Ground Breaking for the Largest Recreation Investment in Winnipeg’s History

Jun 3, 2026

On May 21, 2026 three levels of government and residents gathered in an open windy field to break ground for the new South Winnipeg Recreation Campus.

I’m incredibly proud to have been given the opportunity to guide and deliver on Winnipeg’s largest investment in recreation – $127.5 Million. See details: Engage Winnipeg

This has been a team effort with every level of government, and most importantly – with incredible support from residents. Phase 1 of Winnipeg’s first regional recreation campus will serve upwards of 120,000 people. According to the 2021 Statistics Canada census, 45 percent of residents in Waverley West ward are 30 years of age or younger – the highest concentration of young people anywhere in Winnipeg.

After a long journey converting an open prairie field to an urban environment complete with infrastructure, construction is now starting. Again, as I did in my speech, I want to thank the OUTSTANDING residents and developers of Waverley West – people who stood by me, supported me, guided me, advised me, inspired me, and kept electing me – to deliver on this recreation campus.

To Kerri and Scott, Johnathon, Mike & Debbie . . .
Bernadette, Bob and Connie…
Firdaus, Myrrhanda, Devinder, Laura…
Jasmine, Parm, Masroor…
Fisher, Jessie, Scott, Paul…
Senaka, Songyan, Vera, and Bumi…to name just a very few.

Thank you to Andrea Chow my outstanding assistant and to Nafiya Naso a huge source of inspiration and one of the best project managers I know – both of you have taken on enormous workloads so I could stay focused on getting this project to the ground breaking.

Thank you to our city-building partners – Ladco, Qualico, Paragon, Rockport, Danny Serhal, Karl, Alia Homes, Exemplar and more – thank you for your ongoing development advice and insight.

And to Ian Shaw, Chuck Davidson, and Craig Sheldon — thank you for believing in me and for supporting what is now the largest investment in recreation infrastructure in Winnipeg’s history – that you initiated two decades ago!

What next? Phase 2 – Aquatics Centre

I’ve secured $1.5 Million to design and determine the cost of the aquatic centre. Public consultations will begin early 2027. Construction funding has yet to be secured.

It’s been an incredible journey and tremendous honour to lead this project to today’s milestone. Bravo to everyone!