It was announced today that the City of Steinbach will receive $17.5M in grant funding from provincial and federal governments under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for the construction of the Southeast Event Centre. This is the final funding component required to move forward with the $42.5M project.
“This is a historic moment for Steinbach, made possible by the largest investment partnership between the public and private sector and resulting in recreation, arts, economy, and culture all together in one space benefiting everyone in the southeast region,” said City Mayor, Earl Funk.
In October 2019 the city committed $10M of City funds, applied for funding under ICIP, and approved the use of land in and around the T.G. Smith Centre. The city also partnered with Southeast Event Centre Inc. who has pledged to raise the remaining $15M in private funding.
“Today is an exciting day for Steinbach and southeastern Manitoba,” said Grant Lazaruk, President of Southeast Events Centre Inc. (SEC), “We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Steinbach, and we are thrilled to see the provincial and federal governments join us to help create an event centre that is accessible and inclusive for everyone in our region.”
Under an expected operating agreement, SEC Inc. will manage the facility while the city retains ownership ensuring the centre as a long-term community asset.
The proposed facility includes a main venue that can be used for concerts, events, ice sports, tradeshows, and ceremonies with 2,400 spectator seats as well as a 500 seat multi-use hall/gymnasium and atrium.
The Events Centre will be located downtown, replacing the current Centennial arena, and connecting to the existing community plaza, T.G. Smith arena, Steinbach Curling Club, and theatre.
The downtown location is in line with the City’s Official Community Plan, maintains downtown as a dynamic, public space, and realizes significant construction benefits from existing infrastructure and services. The facility design also provides for ample parking.
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin Summer 2022 at the earliest.
The City of Steinbach would like to thank both the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba for their funding contributions to this project.
Learn more about the Southeast Event Centre, including signing up to be part of a virtual meeting with the facility design team.
Photo from left to right: Honourable Kelvin Goertzen, Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk, Honourable Reg Helwer, Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra, Grant Lazaruk, President of Southeast Event Centre Inc.
