Possible cuts to Winnipeg recreation services upset city councillors

At least two Winnipeg city councillors are worried that families will be affected if wading pools, leisure centres and other recreation services are cut in the upcoming city budget.

Mynarski Coun. Ross Eadie says he was told by city administrators this week that cuts to recreation services might be necessary, and there are too many wading pools to begin with.

Eadie said he's heard that 30 wading pools could be closed across the city, including pools in his ward at Aberdeen Recreation Centre, Beryl Watts Park and Clara Hughes Park.

Most of the cuts would affect neighbourhoods with low-income families and at-risk children and youth, he said.

"They're all happening in old neighbourhoods," he said Thursday.

"It's very upsetting given that we have what's called the big divide, the gap and racism, and the poorest people are the ones who are going to be having their services cut."

Eadie says the budget also proposes discontinuing evening programs at the St. John's Leisure Centre, which is also in his ward, and eventually selling off the building.

He said the programs that are slated to close include cooking classes for children and Pilates classes for young people with intellectual disabilities.

"Kids love that; it's something for them to do," he said.

"The reality is not every kid is interested in community sports. You have to offer them activities outside of that, and that's what the leisure centre offers."

James Kim, who helps run a similar program for people with intellectual disabilities at St. John's during the day, said it would be unfortunate if the leisure centre is sold.

"It's a good place for them to … find their place in the community and bond," Kim said.

Eadie said he was told the potential cuts would save the city $500,000 this year and $1 million every year after that.

'It better not be this'

Elmwood-East Kildonan Coun. Jason Schreyer says he has been given some information on what may be in the budget, which Mayor Brian Bowman has said will be a difficult one for the city.

While Schreyer said he cannot discuss specifics of what is in the proposed budget so far, he did note that city officials have been ordered by council's executive policy committee to find savings.

"They are thus obliged to look for efficiencies. If it comes down to service cuts, if that's the case, that's where I have a problem," he said.

"I don't know what's going to be ultimately in the budget, but from what we see in the media, as far as I'm concerned, it better not be this. And I'm not the only councillor that thinks so."

Schreyer said he hopes any proposed cuts to recreation services will not end up in the final budget draft.

The city budget is expected to be tabled early next month.