Sport Manitoba has operated out of the 200 Main Street building since
its inception in 1996. With lease agreements at 200 Main ending in
2009 some staff and volunteers will be in transition until new
administrative space at 146 Alexander Avenue in Winnipeg is ready. Sport Manitoba
and over 65 partner organizations, including Basketball Manitoba and the WMBA currently lease four floors at 200
Main Street. Although the majority of the Provincial Sport Organizations will remain
at 200 Main Street for the interim period (including BM & WMBA), 200 Main Street owners
require some of the space currently occupied by Sport Manitoba.
“The sport community has been very patient and supportive. They recognize that a short-term interim move will lead to a new home which will have a tremendous impact on sport for generations to come”, said Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO Sport Manitoba. “We anticipate that our new facility at 146 Alexander Avenue will be ready for occupancy in December 2009”.
Paul Robson, Chair of Sport Manitoba’s Board of Directors says, “We knew the move was coming and recognized the opportunity to develop something very unique to sport in Canada. For almost three years we have been planning a new home that will be more than just administration. Accessible to all, a Sport for Life Center presents an opportunity to incorporate a mix of sport heritage, high performance and community sport.”
Cindy Tugwell, Executive Director for Heritage Winnipeg says they are supportive of the project. “The project is going forward in a way that is respectful of the historic streetscape and will contribute to the revitalization of the area.”
Ross McGowan, President and CEO of CentreVenture, is ecstatic that a downtown property has been identified that meets Sport Manitoba’s current and future needs. “A significant heritage building will, once again, become fully utilized and we welcome this major resource centre to the ever evolving north Main Street & Waterfront Drive neighborhoods.”
Sport Manitoba is a not for profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in our province and is responsible for programs including the Power Smart Manitoba Games, Coaching Manitoba, Team Manitoba and KidSport.
Photo of new Sport Manitoba Building (pre-renovation) - c/o Wpg Free Press
Artist's Rendering of Proposed Sport Manitoba Building (post-renovation)
Area Map of New Sport Manitoba Building - Expected to open in early 2010.
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Please contact:
Tara Skibo
Communications/Public Relations Officer
Sport Manitoba
925-5735
taraskibo@sport.mb.ca