FAQ

The Winnipeg Recreation Strategy indicates that more than 60 percent of the City’s recreation facilities over 50 years old. Designed and constructed to the standards of the time, these facilities are now outdated. They are also reaching the end of their useful life and require substantial money to renew and replace failing components. Rather than spending money on facilities that are nearing the end of their life, 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.

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 so residents can enjoy several activities at one site.

On March 22, 2023, Council allocated $2 million to start the next stage of the project. This stage includes a preliminary design and a Class 3 cost estimate (-20% to +30%). This stage is funded in part by the Government of Manitoba. 

The preliminary design and Class 3 cost estimate (-20% to +30%) will be used for future budget approvals and application to Provincial and Federal governments for potential partnership funding. The preliminary design will also include additional stakeholder and public engagement to ensure the project meets the needs of the community.

A Class 3 cost estimate has an accuracy of -20% to +30%. It will be used for funding applications with the Provincial and Federal governments.

In 2023, the cost for construction in 2026 was estimated at $89.192 million and was considered a Class 5 estimate with an accuracy of -50% to +100%. This rough estimate was used to assess initial viability and for long-term planning. The estimate includes all construction costs, inflation, fees, contingencies and other factors and was derived from the feasibility study update.

The preliminary and functional design development and Class 3 cost have been completed.  The cost for construction in 2028 is now estimated at $155.5 million. The cost estimates for the new RecPlex include decommissioning Transcona Kinsmen Centennial Pool and constructing a new washroom change room facility that would serve the Transcona Aquatic Park.

The updated cost estimate reflects a more advanced stage of design and planning. Several key factors have contributed to the change:

Sustainability Commitments:

The facility is now planned to meet two green building certification standards:

• Zero Carbon Building Design Standard
• LEED Silver Certification

These initiatives align with Council’s direction toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and will help reduce the building’s environmental impact.

Design of the facility is more complete:

The feasibility study included early design concepts for the project. Design work has continued through the preliminary design process. At the end of preliminary design more details about the project including the specific size of spaces and the types of materials have been determined. he more detailed preliminary and functional design has enabled a Class 3 cost estimate, which is required for Council consideration and potential funding.

Enhanced Technical Design:
Mechanical, electrical, and pool filtration systems have been more fully developed, resulting in more accurate space and cost requirements.

Expanded Scope and Amenities:

The facility design now includes:

• A proposed childcare centre with an outdoor play area. The centre is approximately 6,800 square feet and designed to accommodate up to 74 children, including dedicated spaces for infants and preschoolers, along with a fenced outdoor play area.
• An outdoor basketball half-court.
• Larger gymnasium space to maximize use for recreational or tournament play. The gyms can be configured to accommodate two full-size basketball courts or four volleyball courts or six pickleball courts.

Economic changes and inflationary increase that reflect the updated construction timeline:

Construction costs increase steadily every year due to inflation. Additionally, economic conditions in different industries change over time and prices are affected. Construction of East of the Red Recplex is now forecasted to begin in 2028 (subject to Council approval and funding be secured), rather than 2026 as was originally proposed in the 2023 feasibility study. As a result, the construction costs have increased due to inflation and economic conditions.

The proposed East of the Red RecPlex is subject to Council approval and funding before construction can begin. Council has approved $15 million in the 2026/27 budget forecast. Additional funding will be considered within the City’s multi-year budget process. The City will also seek partnership funding from other levels of government.

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/change room facility that would serve the Transcona Aquatic Park.