Province supports Roof Rebuild at Foxwarren District Recreation Centre

The Manitoba government is contributing $100,000 through its From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to help rebuild the roof at the Foxwarren District Recreation Centre (FDRC), Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.

“These critical repairs will help ensure the FDRC remains the heart of the community, providing residents and visitors of all ages with a safe facility for recreational and social events,” said Simard. “From the Ground Up supports our government’s commitment to build safe, healthy communities where individuals, youth and families can thrive. Our investment in rebuilding the roof will benefit the region and help keep kids on the path to a bright future.”

The FDRC is a not-for-profit facility that includes an ice rink and community centre, used by various groups for minor hockey, figure skating, 4-H, agricultural society events, community meetings and celebrations, auction sales and family functions like weddings. Built in 1949 by local volunteers, it is one of the region’s largest facilities and serves the communities of Foxwarren, Binscarth, Birtle, Rossburn, St. Lazare, as well as the Gambler and Waywayseecappo First Nations.

“This provincial grant is a boost to our efforts to complete exterior and interior repairs to meet fire code regulations before opening in summer 2026,” said Mark Wotton, board member, FDRC. “Extensive support from local organizations, as well as personal and business donations, has allowed FDRC to get closer to our goal of raising an additional $200,000, and we have raised $118,000 to date. The board is extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity.”

The From the Ground Up program supports community renewal efforts, community capital projects and youth initiatives. Non-profit organizations, Northern Affairs community councils and municipalities can apply for funding. The program received a $1-million increase in Budget 2025. In 2025-26, the Manitoba government committed more than $12.29 million to support 208 community development projects across Manitoba.

The 2026-27 program intake is now open with an application deadline of Jan. 26, 2026. Program information, including guidelines and applications, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/grants/index.html.