More than 10 years in the planning and execution, the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre combines a renovation and a new build that incorporates virtually all the elements of sport under one roof: training, treatment, education, science, coaching, analysis, heritage and administration. “It’s a truly unique space, and it’s for everyone
in the province,” says Jeff Hnatiuk, president and CEO of Sport
Manitoba, and CEO of the Games’ Host Society.
Phase One
Ten years ago, the board of directors for Sport Manitoba was
looking for a new place to house the offices of 65+ provincial sport-governing bodies. “The big question came up: What can we do beyond office space?” says Hnatiuk. The answer: Renovate an 84,000-sq.-ft. heritage building in the Exchange District so that it
is now home to the sport organizations; relocate the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame to the renovated building; create classrooms and conference rooms; and make way for a 5,226-sq.-ft. Sport Medicine Centre outfitted with high-tech equipment and staffed with medical professionals. “We’ve already seen performance
results at the 2013 and 2015 Canada Games and the Western
Canada Games, plus more community interaction,” notes Hnatiuk.
Phase Two
Summer 2015 kicked-off construction of the Qualico Training Centre. The facility will take 18 months to build, and will be attached to the heritage building.
Highlights
First level
Three courts totalling nearly 22,000 sq. ft., convertible for
basketball or volleyball
Second level
4,950 sq.-ft. plyometric and resistance training zone with
free weights, weight machines and equipment
3,860 sq.-ft. flex space for throwing skills
Third level
160-m training track
1,345 sq.-ft. cardio training centre
410 sq.-ft. spin studio
1,085 sq.-ft. studio for dance, pilates, yoga or combative sports
1,115 sq.-ft. resistance training centre
The 2017 Canada Summer Games and beyond
There will be permanent seating for 300 in the court area on the first level, with the option to bring in temporary bleachers to seat 1,000 for basketball or volleyball games during the Canada Summer Games and other provincial and national events. Hnatiuk says the amenities the Centre will provide—its sport medicine facility, for example—will help the city and the province bid on future sports events.
Hnatiuk notes that, ultimately, the Centre is a significant legacy: “It’s for amateur and elite athletes as well as the community.”
Photos: Number Ten
