FAQ
- Updating the project design and cost estimates.
- Exploring funding options for the new recreation facility, including the potential to sell adjacent land for a housing development and funding from other levels of government.
- Gathering feedback from the community on the need, design, and potential amenities for the new recreation facility.
- Inclusion of an additional sustainability allowance to achieve an energy-efficient, net-zero carbon ready facility.
- Additional site remediation allowance to deal with potential salt and other site contaminants on the former works yard.
- Additional site development costs to reflect larger required parking areas, considering that Transit Park N Ride and Rapid Transit facilities are no longer being considered for this site through the Winnipeg Transit Master Plan.
Why is the City updating the 2018 East of the Red RecPlex Feasibility Study?
On June 28, 2021, funding in the amount of $75,000 from the East Kildonan-Transcona Community Committee Land Dedication Reserve (Transcona Ward allocation) was approved to conduct a review of the East of the Red RecPlex Feasibility Study Final Report (2018).
What are we updating?
Since the release of the 2018 Feasibility Study, the City update will include:
How much will the East of the Red RecPlex cost?
The cost for construction in 2026 is estimated at $89.192 million and is considered a Class 5 estimate with an accuracy of -50% to +100%. This rough estimate is used to assess initial viability and for long range capital planning. The estimate includes all construction costs, inflation, fees, contingencies and other factors and was derived from the Feasibility Study update.
This estimate is approximately $7.0 million more than the previous $82.2M total project
budget estimated in the City of Winnipeg 2020 Infrastructure Plan. Reasons for the identified additional budget requirements include:
The proposed East of the Red RecPlex is subject to Council approval and funding.
When is construction anticipated to begin?
There are currently no funds approved for the construction of this project. The preliminary draft of 2023 City of Winnipeg Capital Budget proposes up to $2 Million be allocated for preliminary design work to develop a Class 3 cost estimate, that would inform future capital budget requirements. Project funding will be considered within the City’s multi-year budget process and is subject to availability of City funding, as well as partnership funding from other levels of government.
Why was the current site chosen for the proposed East of the Red RecPlex?
With the recent construction of the new Transcona Library, this site shows potential to become a community recreation hub featuring many amenities. The Winnipeg Recreation Strategy recommends co-locating facilities to provide customers with a contemporary recreation experience where they can enjoy several activities at one site.
Why is a new recreation facility needed?
The Winnipeg Recreation Strategy indicates that more than 60 percent of the City’s recreation infrastructure is over 50 years old. Designed and constructed to the standards of the time, these facilities are now outdated with significant functional and physical limitations. They are also reaching the end of their useful life and require substantial investment to renew and replace failing components. Rather than investing into functionally obsolete facilities that are nearing the end of their lifecycle, the Winnipeg Recreation Strategy suggests that in many instances replacing these facilities is often a better option.
New recreation facilities will also be accessible and offer programs and amenities that support lifelong participation for all ages. Since there are currently no City-owned or operated facilities in north-east Winnipeg that have an integrated pool and recreational amenities, the strategy identifies the proposed East of the Red RecPlex as a facility that would provide regional service.
How will construction of the East of the Red RecPlex affect other facilities?
The East of the Red RecPlex 2023 Feasibility Study Update does not contemplate any closure of the Elmwood Kildonan Pool; however, it does include decommissioning Transcona Kinsmen Centennial Pool. The new aquatic centre, including indoor pool, at the RecPlex would effectively replace Transcona Kinsmen Centennial, which, at over 50 years old, is reaching the end of its useful life and requires upgrades to address functional limitations, lack of accessibility, and overall condition.
The Transcona Aquatic Park, which opened in 2017 at the site of Transcona Kinsmen Centennial, would remain open. The cost estimates for the new RecPlex include constructing a new washroom/changeroom facility that would serve the Aquatic Park.
All of the recommendations within the Feasibility Study Update, including any facility closures, are subject to Council approval.