Work to expand Winnipeg’s St. James Civic Centre is set to begin next month, creating a facility that will better meet the community’s recreation needs. According to the City of Winnipeg, the expansion will include a new multi-purpose room and kitchen, an improved viewing area for the swimming pool, parking lot improvements, an administrative space and shared program space for the St. James Assiniboia 55+ Centre, and enhancements to the auditorium, its washrooms and main building entry. Construction is expected to begin in May. To accommodate this work, the St. James Civic Centre will be closed from June 15, 2025 until fall 2026. The Ab McDonald Arena will be open during its regular ice seasons. The city notes that to make way for this expansion, the community recycling depot at 2055 Ness Ave. will be closed beginning May 5, 2025. Winnipeggers are encouraged to bring their recyclables to the nearest 4R Winnipeg Depot or community recycling depot.