West St. Paul Multiplex

Construction of the West St. Paul Multiplex has just begun but Mayor Cliff Dearman of the RM of West St. Paul is already thinking about expanding.

"We're looking at getting more land," said the Mayor. "We want to build a bridge over Grassmere Creek and develop a nature path for walking and cycling."

The governments of Canada and Manitoba and the RM of West St. Paul are funding construction of the new multiplex under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF). The multiplex will house a gymnasium that doubles as a hall with kitchen; a canteen and bar for social events; as well as multi-purpose rooms and a nursery school.

The grounds will have a play structure, soccer and mini-soccer fields and an outdoor rink. The site already includes four baseball diamonds.

"The outdoor rink will have boards and be well lit. It will be quite professional," said Mayor Dearman, adding that there will be four indoor changing rooms and a second rink for more leisurely skating.

The lobby of the building will include a heritage centre for the community of West St. Paul.

"We've worked with the school to do some history and heritage projects," said the Mayor. "West St. Paul prides itself on its heritage. We're over 125 years old, and we have our own identity."

Community and identity is very important to the municipality. Mayor Dearman explained that being so close to Winnipeg means many residents migrate to the city for recreation activities. He expects the new multiplex will prevent this from occurring.

"It includes everybody. We'll have a place for the kids with the nursery school and a place for the seniors to meet or take a course during the day. We'll have hockey and skating, basketball and volleyball. And at the end of the day you can pack it all up and have a social," said the Mayor. "The whole community comes together," he added.

And what is Mayor Dearman most looking forward to?

"I never had anything like this when I was a kid. Neither did my parents. I'm going to enjoy going there and watching the kids play, knowing that I was a part of it all."