The Manitoba government is contributing $1.2 million toward the development of a new outdoor sports complex in Arborg, a project aimed at expanding and modernizing recreational opportunities in the community and surrounding region.
The funding is being provided through the province’s Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program and will support the construction of new baseball diamonds and soccer fields. The announcement comes 15 months after plans were announced for a new personal care home to be built on the site of the current outdoor sports grounds.
Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard said the investment is intended to help ensure residents continue to have access to quality recreation infrastructure while supporting active lifestyles and long-term community growth.
“Today’s announcement is not just a government investment, it is the result of a community that refuses to settle for good enough,” Simard said during the June 9 announcement. “This project reflects the community’s values of collaboration, resilience and a commitment to healthy, active living.”
The new Arborg-Bifrost Outdoor Sports Complex will replace existing baseball and soccer facilities currently located on the site. Provincial officials noted the current fields are aging, undersized and in need of renewal.
The new location will be within a half-mile radius of Arborg, and ground will be broken as soon as the crops are off.
According to the province, the new complex is being designed as an inclusive and sustainable facility that will accommodate users of all ages and abilities. Planned features include accessibility measures that meet or surpass requirements under Manitoba’s accessibility legislation, as well as energy-efficient and low-maintenance elements such as LED lighting, naturalized landscaping and durable playing surfaces.
“This new piece of recreational infrastructure ensures families in the region continue to have access to high-quality, accessible recreational spaces,” Simard added. “But this project is more than just sports—it’s about creating a gathering place where children, youth, adults and seniors can connect, play and build community.”
Arborg Mayor Peter Dueck described the project as the result of collaboration between the Town of Arborg, the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, local volunteers and community sports groups. He said provincial funding is helping move the shared vision forward and will enhance recreation opportunities throughout the area for both residents and visitors.
He said he is proud of the partnerships, support and funding already received for the project.
“I am so proud that the province has decided to invest in this community and recognizes its importance,” he added.
Mike Shachtay, a longtime Arborg resident and sports enthusiast, emphasized the importance of sports for people of all ages.
“Look at everything that comes because of sports. It could be soccer, it could be pickleball, it could be whatever it is, sports are very important,” he said. “Lifelong friends are made because of sports.”
He shared a photo of his baseball team from 44 years ago and noted that he remains friends with many of the players to this day. He added that the impact of sports goes beyond Arborg, with many former athletes continuing their involvement in athletics throughout their lives and careers.
Simard echoed Shachtay’s comments about the importance of sports, particularly baseball.
“Baseball can be a lifelong sport. You can play it all the way through adulthood. But also what it’s about is being part of a team, being part of a community,” he said. “I can tell you that it shapes a person, challenges them and helps define who they are.”
The afternoon closed with Simard joining young Arborg baseball players for a few hits, catches and throws around the diamond.
Verdict: CP-style ready with these edits. The only thing I would still consider is tightening the Shachtay section slightly, as it repeats the importance of sports several times, but that’s an editorial choice rather than a grammar issue.
