The former curling rink in Ashern has been transformed into a year-round Health, Wellness and Active Living Centre that aims to serve more than 6,000 residents across the North-West Interlake.
The Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission (LRWC), a non-profit, says the barrier-free facility will provide inclusive programming for families, seniors, youth and people with mobility needs. Features include a cardio and strength gym, indoor walking track, pickleball and shuffleboard courts, a dance and yoga studio, and multi-purpose rooms.
“By repurposing the former curling rink, we have preserved an important piece of community history while creating a modern facility that meets the needs of today and tomorrow,” said Tim Cameron, past-president of the LRWC. “This project is about bringing people together, improving health and wellness, and strengthening the quality of life in our region.”
Cameron said the idea began in 2016 when the ice plant required major repairs and the curling club decided to fold.
“A group was formed to find a use for the building, which was built in 1974,” he explained. “A community needs assessment showed a strong wish for a year-round, multi-use, accessible and regional recreation facility. That really set us on the path.”
Planning began in 2019 with the formation of a 14-member volunteer board. Since then, fundraising has included everything from ball tournaments and duck races to raffles and dinners, supported by accessibility and community grants, municipal contributions and corporate sponsorships.
“We’ve had incredible local support,” Cameron said. “Access Credit Union and Federated Co-op helped us name the studio and the walking track, and dozens of volunteers pitched in with painting, construction and cleaning. It’s hard to put a number on it, but I’d say well over 100 people have helped in some way.”
Accessibility has been a priority from the outset. The three-level building now has exterior and interior ramps, four accessible washrooms, and modified doors.
“People told us they needed barrier-free washrooms and a way to move between levels safely. We knew those changes had to be front and centre,” Cameron said.
Community input also shaped the design.
“Residents asked for a walking track, especially in winter, along with a cardio gym, pickleball, shuffleboard and social spaces,” Cameron noted. “It’s the same spirit as when the very first curling rink was built in 1947 — a place to gather, stay active and connect.”
Memberships will be offered at daily, monthly, annual and lifetime rates, with subsidies available through corporate programs.
“We’ve strived to keep fees reasonable and accessible,” Cameron said. “Active living promotes a happier, healthier and stronger community, and we don’t want affordability to be a barrier.”
Programming has already started to bring the new facility to life.
“We offered guitar jams where people could bring their instruments and play along with lyrics on a big screen, which turned into a really fun social night,” Cameron said. “Chair yoga, kids’ yoga and games for families have been popular too.”
With the official opening, new activities will include floor shuffleboard, table tennis, junior pickleball, floor hockey, indoor soccer and walking groups on the Co-op Community Spaces Walking Track. The Access Credit Union Studio will host yoga, crafting, puzzle-making and community-led classes.
“We hope to see people of all ages and backgrounds using the space,” Cameron added. “It could be a senior trying chair yoga, a youth playing floor hockey or parents bringing strollers to the walking track. It’s about blending health with social connection.”
Much of the project has been powered by local volunteerism. Community members helped with every step — from painting and cleaning, to moving equipment, selling raffle tickets and donating supplies.
“The community has been amazing — we couldn’t have done it without them,” Cameron said. “I’m sure we’ve had well over 100 volunteers contribute their time and energy.”
To keep that spirit alive, the commission is forming a new group called Friends of the Wellness Centre.
“It’s a way to encourage ongoing volunteerism,” Cameron explained. “We’ll have opportunities for people to pitch in at events, help with programming or lend a hand around the facility. And we want to recognize those contributions through appreciation rewards.”
Partnerships are also growing. The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is supplying equipment through the Healthy Together Now program, and outreach is underway to schools and Indigenous groups.
“We want to see beadwork, ribbon skirt making, Indigenous teachings and multicultural sessions alongside sports and fitness,” Cameron said. “This is about wellness in every sense — physical, social and cultural.”
The centre is designed to welcome residents of two municipalities and five First Nations and Métis communities.
“Medical transportation drivers and patients will be welcomed while they’re in town, and the travelling public up and down Highway 6 will have a place to stop, stretch and connect,” Cameron said.
A grand opening and wellness expo is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the centre and adjacent Centennial Hall. The free event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an opening ceremony at 1 p.m. It will feature guided tours, health and wellness exhibitors, demonstrations and family activities.
“The expo is our chance to showcase what the centre can offer,” Cameron said. “There will be yoga, pickleball, floor shuffleboard, live demos and exhibits from groups like CancerCare Manitoba and the Alzheimer Society. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and True North Sports have even donated prizes for our free draws.”
Cameron added that the project is still evolving, with future plans including a covered solarium addition to enclose the accessibility ramps, green landscaping and solar panels.
“Our end goal is a community that is healthier and stronger together,” he said. “We hope this facility inspires people to invest in themselves and in each other.”
Event at a glance
What: Lakeshore Regional Wellness Centre Grand Opening & Wellness Expo
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (opening ceremony 1 p.m.)
Where: Lakeshore Regional Wellness Centre & Centennial Hall, Ashern, Man.
Cost: Free admission (exhibitors free as well)
