Harbourview Recreation Complex to be demolished by end of year

A decades-old landmark at Kilcona Park is coming down. Harrison Shin has more on what is coming next.

A decades-old landmark at Kilcona Multi-use Park in Winnipeg’s North Kildonan neighbourhood is coming down.

The city of Winnipeg confirmed that Harbourview Recreation Complex, first built in 1980, is set to be demolished due to the age and condition of the buildings.

Dave Klassen, who often uses the off-leash area of the park, said he remembers frequently passing the complex growing up.

“It was a little sad (to hear the news),” he told CTV News on Monday. “I just grew up on the other side of Lagimodière Boulevard and would walk through there all the time or bike as a kid. Nice-looking buildings; it’s a shame.”

A spokesperson from the city said the building is “beyond repair,” and the demolition will include asbestos abatement and remediation of all building elements.

No timeline was available, but the spokesperson said the work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Lakeland Golf Management has been operating the sports portion of the complex since 1982. President of the company, Harry Brotchie, echoed Klassen’s sentiment.

“It was an extremely popular facility,” he said. “We were booked a year in advance for weddings … and over a period of time, it’s unfortunately just fallen into the state it is in right now.”

Brotchie said outdoor golf, driving, and sporting activities will remain open to the public during the demolition.

The city spokesperson said there is no funding for future construction as of Monday, but confirmed there are draft plans.

“(These) include a new park pavilion that would provide year-round shelter and washroom facilities for the public.”

Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan) said new opportunities for the park will come, such as a roadway through the greenspace.

“We actually have some money to invest in the Harbourview Park Complex … (the road) will open up a huge section of the park at the north, where we’ll be able to have picnic sites and canopies,” he said.

“The only way to get to the Harbourview site at Kilcona is down in Springfield. It’s a 70 km/h, largely industrial road.

“By putting the internal road, the access point to the park is going to be a little more—I think—people-friendly, coming in off of Lagimodière and McIvor.”

For Klassen, he would like to see recreational use in the future.

“Maybe pickleball courts or some sort of physical activity—that’s my cup of tea.”