The Southeast Event Centre is getting closer to the full grand opening and progress continues on completing the facility.
While the building has been in use for several months, several key amenities remain under construction. That includes the children’s play zone, the walking track, and the gymnasium — all of which are now expected to open before the end of summer.
A few delays, but progress is steady
Michelle Sawatzky-Koop, Director of Communications, Marketing and Sales for the Southeast Event Centre, says they had hoped to open the children’s area sooner.
“We sure wish it could be open already,” said Sawatzky-Koop. “We're so hungry for people to come through our doors and to fill this place.”
Some water-related repairs have pushed back the timeline, with about 25 per cent of the gym floor needing to be redone. The current projection is that the gym, track and play area will open around the same time — potentially by mid to late July.
“We’re really projecting that by our grand opening on August 21, this place will be in full motion,” said Sawatzky-Koop. “It may still be that the playground opens a little bit before the gym — we’re not sure yet. But we’ll let you know as soon as we know for sure.”
Forum & Bistro opens today, full facility expected by fall
While the play spaces and gym aren't quite ready, the public has been making good use of other parts of the facility — including meetings and food service.
The Grab & Go concession stand has been open for weeks and has already become a popular stop for people passing through the building. Meanwhile, Forum & Bistro is officially opening its doors to the public today, June 12.
“We’ve had some soft openings already for donors and sponsors and the response has been amazing,” said Sawatzky-Koop. “People walk away very satisfied. We want it to feel like you’re coming home, like you’re with friends and family — and really, you are.”
She adds that the centre needs the community to continue showing up.
“We all asked for it, we were all excited about it. Now we’ve done it and it’s here, but we can’t do it alone,” she said. “Let’s not be alone. Let’s be together as a community… and the community will be the reason this place survives and thrives.”
Council hears financial update from SEG
On Tuesday evening, Steinbach’s Strategic Priorities Committee received a financial update from the Southeast Events Group (SEG), which manages the facility. The presentation included budget projections and ongoing capital requirements.
Mayor Earl Funk noted that while the group faces some challenges, including unanticipated expenses, collaboration is key.
“There’s a long list of things that need to get done, and we will have to find a way within the means that’s happening right now to get these things paid for,” Funk said. “What excites me is that we have a group like SEG that is actively looking for solutions.”
Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra echoed that support and highlighted how much interest the new facility is already generating.
“There are a lot of exciting things happening,” said Zwaagstra. “Even though it isn’t fully open, the Event Centre is very busy now. There have already been many large events and bookings.”
Zwaagstra added that once the gym is ready, demand will be high.
“They were very clear — they could have it booked every night and all day without even trying. So it’s not a question of if the facility is going to be fully used. It is being used now, and when it’s fully open, it will be used even more.”