Construction officially begins on the Tache Community Center in Loretta – SteinbachOnline.com

The new Tache Community Center in Loretta was destroyed Tuesday.

Mayor Armand Poirier says it’s a $29 million project that is expected to take 18 months to complete. It rises immediately to the east of the existing public complex in this village.

Once completed, the new Tache Community Center will include a new arena and skating rink, a community library, a senior center, a multi-use area and a cafeteria. Poirier says the facility will truly appeal to residents of all ages.

“It really is because it will cater to young athletes and our senior center will be there,” he explains. “And imagine a library on top of all that that brings a lot of activity. So, all in all, there’s something for everyone here.”

Poirier says Tuesday morning’s ceremony was emotional.

“Because it’s for our children,” he says. “This is for the future.”

Ian Bushey, Dan Vandal and Armand Poirier

The Province of Manitoba is investing approximately $9 million in this project. Ian Bushey, minister for municipal and northern affairs, attended Tuesday’s coup ceremony.

“A strong community is built on a strong foundation,” Bushey says. “That’s why the Manitoba government has invested nearly $9 million in this project to ensure we can bring the vision and life to this community.”

He adds that for too long, Tache’s boss has been talking about the need for dedicated space that encourages interaction.

“Communities in Manitoba can truly thrive if we prioritize investment in recreational infrastructure, such as the new Taché Community Centre,” adds Boushie. “Developments like this not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also help create a vibrant, connected community.”

He says the facility will serve not only as a community center, but also as a center for social interaction, education and wellness.

“It will be a place where families can gather, where children can learn and play, and where community members can come together to spend time and support each other,” he adds.

The project also received financial support from the federal government in the form of $4.4 million. Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament and Minister for Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor, attended Tuesday’s coup.

“This community center has been around for a long time,” Vandal says. “This will help the community grow by providing residents with a good quality space where children can come together, learn and stay active.”

Vandal says these entertainment complexes greatly enhance the quality of life for all communities in Canada, and he says this complex will work great in Loretta.

Meanwhile, Poirier says planning for this new center has been years in the making. He notes that the current center is long past its prime, and the new one will be an important facility.

“Tache has 12,000 people and it will be the heart and soul of the future, especially for our children and grandchildren in the future,” Poirier says.

In addition to the $13.3 million received from the highest levels of government, there were also financial donations from the city of Lorette, the library and other fundraising organizations, Poirier said. He adds that residents will also pay for it out of their taxes. However, he notes that the municipality has a couple of long-term debts that it hopes to pay off in time for the new facility to be financed.

“We hope the tax impact will be minimal,” he says.

Poirier says they have yet to decide what to do with the existing arena, but that decision will have to be made soon.