Public invited to weigh in on design for Winnipeg’s first public indoor pool in over 40 years

A rendering of the proposed design for the East of the Red RecPlex. (City of Winnipeg)

Winnipeggers are invited to weigh in on the design of the city’s first indoor public pool in over 40 years.

The city is hosting a pair of open houses on the proposed East of the Red RecPlex.

Billed as a landmark project, the build would bring an indoor public pool to the northwest corner of Transcona Boulevard and Plessis Road next to the Transcona Library.

The city said the proposed centre will include a lap pool, leisure pool, lazy river, waterslides, gym, fitness space, a walking and running track, and a café.

The project comes after two feasibility studies in 2018 and 2023 and rounds of public and stakeholder engagement.

Based on feedback, an outdoor basketball half-court and a childcare centre were added to the design, and the proposed residential buildings were removed because of space, parking and traffic concerns.

City council allocated $2 million in March to start the next stage of the project. A previous design that estimated construction would begin in 2026 said the project would come with an $89 million price tag.

An updated timeline has construction beginning between 2028 and 2030.

The next stage involves finalizing a preliminary design, which will then go to council for review and funding.

Those looking to learn more about the project and share feedback are invited to open houses at the Transcona Library on Feb. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 19 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

An online survey is also available, with feedback being collected until March 3.

More details can be found on the city’s website.