Manitoba Government Invests $2.9 Million in New Critical Infrastructure in Flin Flon

Press Release

February 27, 2026

The Manitoba government is investing $2.9 million to support construction of a new, modern pool and a separate major art, cultural and educational institution in Flin Flon, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.

“Access to high‑quality indoor recreation is not a luxury for northern and remote communities, it is essential,” said Simard. “Facilities like the pool and the arts and environment centre provide safe and reliable spaces for families to gather, for young people to learn and grow, and for residents of all ages to stay active year‑round. This investment ensures that people in Flin Flon and the surrounding region have the same opportunities for health, recreation and connection as any other Manitoban.”

Funding includes $2.4 million for construction of the pool through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program, and a one-time grant of $500,000 for the North Central Canada Centre of Arts and Environment (NCCCAE).

The new recreation facility is a modern, energy‑efficient centre and is designed to meet the region’s needs for decades, the minister noted. It will replace the former aquatic centre, which was demolished in 2020 due to infrastructure failure. Once completed, the pool will offer recreation opportunities for a regional population of more than 18,000 residents from Flin Flon, The Pas, Cranberry Portage, Sherridon, Creighton, Denare Beach and nearby First Nation communities such as Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN).

The new pool will feature:

• a ramp‑accessible lane pool,
• a zero‑entry leisure pool with a therapeutic lazy river,
• expanded capacity for families with young children,
• a family celebration room for community gatherings, and
• modern mechanical and electrical systems designed for long‑term efficiency.

“This agreement with the Manitoba government marks an important step forward for the City of Flin Flon and the future of the NCCCAE. With this provincial support, we are able to continue the critical planning work needed to ensure the Centre’s long-term viability and sustainability,” said Mayor George Fontaine, City of Flin Flon. “The NCCCAE represents more than a building, it is a vision for a dynamic, inclusive space that brings together arts, culture, education, entrepreneurship and community development. It will help position Flin Flon as a regional hub for innovation and creativity while strengthening economic diversification across northern Manitoba.”

Funding for the NCCCAE will support Phase 1 activities for the centre, which includes business planning, architectural services, strategic development for capital funding and community consultation. This project directly supports provincial priorities to address and advance truth and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Red River Métis. The NCCCAE project aims to advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and contribute to cultural and economic reconciliation in the north.

Manitoba GRO is an application-based program designed to help municipalities advance critical infrastructure that will support growing and sustainable communities. For 2025-26, funding of up to $42 million is available through Manitoba’s annual Rural Strategic Infrastructure Basket, delivered under the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund. The program provides application-based project funding to support a broad range of community renewal efforts, community capital projects and children and youth initiatives.

For more information on Manitoba GRO, visit https://gov.mb.ca/mr/mfpp/mgro.html.

– 30 –

For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

ILR5