The Mayor for Tache says construction has started in earnest on their new community centre in Lorette.
On October 29th, dignitaries broke ground on the new Tache Community Centre. Once complete it will include a new arena and skating rink, community library, seniors centre, multipurpose area, and canteen. It is going up immediately east of the existing community complex in Lorette.
And, though the sod turning ceremony was held in mid-fall, Armand Poirier says it was not until about three weeks ago that physical work finally started.
"Three Way Builders and their subcontractors have started the dirt work, they dug into the ground, they laid a strong base and now they are pounding pilings into the ground," he says. "Making lots of noise, there is lots of machinery around, and lots of activity."
Even though there was not much to see at the site for seven months, Poirier says that does not mean that work was not happening.
"We were tying up loose ends," he says. "There's lots of things to do in a project like this."
Poirier says you must realize that crews are basically building three facilities in one: library, seniors centre and arena.
"And although there was no physical work being seen, there was work being done behind the scenes every single day in preparation for these days that we're now realizing with actual construction," he says.
Poirier says some of that work being done behind the scenes included an extensive examination of costs. He notes the budget for this project has not really changed since their sod turning ceremony. It is still expected to cost $29.5 million.
"There has been some movement upwards and downwards here and there, but we have made adjustments to keep our costs at $29.5 million," he explains. "And I'm hoping to see the new facility on time and on budget."
Poirier says the doors to the new facility should open by late 2026.
The project is being funded with assistance from both the provincial and federal governments.
Poirier says some of the other work that has been happening since October includes last-minute arrangements with the user groups and then finalizing some plans with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure.
"There were lots of formalities, architectural issues, contractual issues and obligations that needed to be met," he says. "There's many, many things that had to be taken care of and it kept a lot of people busy."
Poirier calls it very exciting to finally see physical work happening at the site. He notes the whole town is alive and you can see parents swinging by the build to show their children where the new arena will stand. Poirier says it is perfectly okay to check out the construction site, however, he asks onlookers to be very careful at all times and to respect the workers. Poirier stresses the importance of keeping a safe distance away when coming for a look.
Meanwhile, Poirier says they have not finalized their plans yet for what to do with the existing arena, once the new centre opens.