FAQs
1. Why are the upgrades needed to the recreation and outdoor facilities on the Old Ex Grounds at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place?
The Arena was decommissioned as an indoor arena in 2015. The tennis courts were installed in the 1970s and are at the end of their lifecycle and in a state of disrepair, and the playground was installed in 2010 and could benefit from some replacement play equipment. Renewing the recreation facilities and providing additional amenities such as seating and lighting will help make the park a more safe, fun, and enjoyable place for recreation, sport, and leisure for the community. Upgrades to the arena will create a large multi-purpose space to support WASAC, City programming, and community use.
2. What upgrades are planned for the outdoor space beside Sergeant Tommy Prince Place?
Beside Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, upgrades will include new recreation amenities and enhancements to the greenspace beside the existing courts.
3. What will the Old Ex Arena redevelopment include?
The redevelopment of the Old Ex Arena will include new administrative offices for the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC) – with improved programming space suitable for WASAC’s programs that more effectively serve the community, and some future operational space for other City recreation services.
4. What will the project cost?
City Council approved $14.1 million in capital funding through the Recreation and Library Facilities Investment Strategy for this project. Of that amount, $900,000 has been allocated to the redevelopment of the tennis courts and greenspace. This project is funded in part by the Government of Manitoba. We will also work with ParticipACTION to determine potential funding sources to construct the ParticiPARK.
5. When will construction occur?
Construction on the arena will begin in late 2024. Construction on the park amenities is anticipated to begin in summer 2025.