Scott Gillingham Proposes $60 Million Fund to Renew Recreation Infrastructure
Scott Gillingham pointed to a worn-down football field in Westdale today as one example of the type of neighbourhood recreation infrastructure he says needs greater attention — and proposed a new $60-million fund to help renew community facilities across Winnipeg.
“I’ve already committed to eliminate fees for basic volunteer criminal record checks,” Gillingham said. “But helping our volunteers is only part of the job. We also need to make sure they have good fields, community centres and recreation facilities to work with.”
Gillingham said Winnipeg has made significant investments in major infrastructure over the past four years, but aging neighbourhood recreation assets also need sustained attention.
Gillingham’s plan would:
Create a new $60-million Community Recreation Asset Renewal Fund, beginning with a $20-million City commitment and seeking matching investments from the provincial and federal governments, as well as private partners where appropriate. The fund would support repairs and renewal of community centres and other local recreation facilities.
Renew two aging or deteriorated sports fields each year with artificial turf, beginning in 2027, focusing on high-use fields where artificial turf would extend the playing season and reduce weather-related closures.
Provide additional dedicated staff support for volunteer community-centre and community boards, including help with governance, project planning, finding contractors and securing grants and funding from other sources.
The new commitments would be in addition to existing recreation capital plans, community-centre operating support and planned investments in new recreation facilities.
“Over the last four years, we’ve started building the new South Winnipeg Recreation Campus, invested millions in community-centre and arena renewal, expanded Winnipeg’s network of spray pads and advanced new recreation facilities across the city,” Gillingham said.
“But there are still neighbourhood facilities and sports fields that have been waiting too long for basic renewal. This plan is about getting to those projects faster and giving the volunteers who run these facilities more help to get the job done.”
Gillingham said the plan also reflects ideas brought forward by members of City Council who have been advocating for stronger neighbourhood recreation infrastructure.
Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) supports Gillingham’s commitment.
“Community centres are at the heart of our neighbourhoods, particularly in mature communities where these facilities have served generations of families,” she said. “I support a dedicated, multi-government approach to repairing and renewing these important local assets, while also ensuring that new recreation facilities are supported by responsible, long-term operating plans. Strong capital investment must be matched with sustainable funding so both our existing and future facilities can succeed.”
Building on four years of recreation investment
During Gillingham’s term as Mayor, the City has advanced significant investments in recreation and community infrastructure, including:
South Winnipeg Recreation Campus: Construction began in May 2026 on the long-promised new recreation campus, delivering on a major Gillingham 2022 campaign commitment.
Old Ex Arena redevelopment: The City started construction on the redevelopment of the former Old Ex Arena into renewed recreation and programming space, including facilities supporting Indigenous youth programming.
New Professional Soccer Stadium: Council approved City funding toward artificial turf and lighting improvements at Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex as part of a plan to build a new soccer stadium for Winnipeg’s new Northern Soccer League team and community use.
Youth recreation programming: The City committed $3 million over 2025–2027 to 17 organizations providing recreation and other programming for youth at high risk of gang recruitment or criminal exploitation.
John Blumberg Sports Complex: Council advanced a long-term agreement with the Red River Exhibition to transform the City-owned sports complex into a more heavily used, tournament-friendly multi-sport facility.
Launch of the Communities Fund (as promised in 2022) has delivered millions in new funding for community organizations, tournaments and projects.
“Winnipeg has grown quickly, and our recreation infrastructure has to keep pace,” Gillingham said. “We’ve made important investments over the last four years. Now we need to keep building — from major new facilities right down to the fields and community centres families use every week.”