A new city report recommends Provencher Park as the site for a future outdoor public pool in St. Boniface, although not everyone agrees with the plan. The city says the outdoor aquatic park would replace the existing pool at the site, which is nearing the end of its useful life, and that building there would help ensure equitable access across the neighbourhood. “It ticks a lot of boxes. I know socioeconomic status is one of the major considerations and that’s that. That pool location is where you would have the most low-income people served,” said Coun. Matt Allard (St. Boniface). Under the proposal, the existing pool would be replaced with a heated facility featuring spray pads, diving boards and other amenities. The estimated cost is between $18 million and $21 million. “As the report notes, (Provencher Pool), like some of the other aging facilities in Winnipeg, is approaching it’s end of life,” Allard said. “And so, this would be a way of having a new pool at Provencher and avoiding what we’ve seen in the past in St. Boniface.” The push to find a new pool site in St. Boniface began in 2024, following the closure of Happyland Pool on Marion Street — a decision that drew backlash from residents. “It was everything to the people in the area, especially the children,” said Teresa Cwik, president of the South St. Boniface Residents Association. Cwik helped lead the campaign to save Happyland. She and other residents raised tens of thousands of dollars to help cover the pool’s operating costs, but council ultimately voted down their proposal. The pool was demolished last September. “Where are they going to get the money. They didn’t have $100,000 for Happy Land Pool. Where are you going to get $20 million?” Cwik said. Cwik argues the city would be better off building and repairing smaller neighbourhood pools instead, and she’s questioning the timing of the report’s release. “I think it’s just to appease people. Like I said, it’s an election year this year, and I think it’s being trotted out,” Cwik said. “I fought hard to try and keep happy Land open,” Allard said. “I think this is a practical way of addressing that infrastructure deficit. And, and in the case of Provencher, if this can be funded, having a pool there for a generation.” So far, $2.5 million has been approved to support the design and construction of the new facility. The report notes another $2.2 million will be needed between 2027 and 2031. Before any shovels hit the ground, the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services must approve the site, and council will need to vote on it as well. Allard also noted the city still needs to find the full $18 million to $21 million in upcoming budgets.
