St. James Civic Centre begins gradual reopening after extensive upgrades

The St. James Civic Centre is beginning a gradual reopening starting Tuesday.

The City of Winnipeg announced the centre’s phased reopening follows an extensive upgrade project that replaced “critical building systems, improved accessibility, and refreshed spaces.”

Those upgrades included a pair of new roofs, arena concrete repairing, electrical system repurposing, improved storage areas and a new fire suppression system.

“Recreational centres foster creativity, promote healthy living, and connect our communities,” said Dominic LeBlanc, the minister of intergovernmental affairs, infrastructure and communities.

“Our government is proud to contribute more than $5 million to support upgrades to the St. James Civic Centre that will make the facility more modern, accessible and inclusive for all to enjoy.”

In total, just over $10 million was invested into the upgrade project for the 56-year-old facility, between the City of Winnipeg and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

“For over 50 years, the St. James Civic Centre has been an important place for the community to come together in this growing part of Winnipeg,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “The critical upgrades to this part of the building were needed to ensure the building could continue to run properly while updating accessibility to meet the needs of the residents of our growing city.

“Once fully complete with the opening of the Ab McDonald Arena later this month, this will be a busy space that contributes to community wellness for many years to come.”

The Ab McDonald Arena is expected to reopen to the public on Sept. 25.

“The refurbished and rejuvenated St. James Civic Centre will give families in Winnipeg a vastly improved facility for recreation and fitness,” said Reg Helwer, Manitoba’s labour, consumer protection and government services minister.