More certain future for Winnipeg cross-country ski facility

WINNIPEG — To the average eye, it doesn’t look like much.

But to Jon Macbeth, the snow filled forest that runs along the Seine River in St. Vital is his playground.

“There’s nothing like this,” said the avid cross-country skier.

Every spring though, the Windsor Park Nordic Centre faces an uncertain future not knowing if there will be another winter.

“It’s just a facility you can’t do without,” said Macbeth. “It would be like trying to do another sport without a facility for that sport. This is our pool. This is our gym.”

The Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba uses the Windsor Park Golf Course to house its facility but only on a year-to-year lease with the City of Winnipeg.

“The unique terrain here with the river bank and trees,” said the organization’s executive director, Karin McSherry. “This is where we need to be.”

And it’s looking like they will be long term. The CCSAM and city have drawn up a new, five-year deal with an option to renew for another five years.

“They want to keep it going, we want to see them in there and get some use out of the land in the winter,” said St. Vital city councilor Brian Mayes.

The deal doesn’t just give the CCSAM ease of mind but also stability, allowing them to expand.

“We’re too busy for this building,” said McSherry while pointing to the current clubhouse. “So one of our plans is to build another building to hold all of our programs and people. Snow making equipment is also in our plans so we’re excited for the future.”

The agreement still has to pass a full city council vote.