It took the community by shock.
When wind speeds exceeded 120 kilometres per hour on August 24, 2024, the roof of the Foxwarren and District Recreation Centre was damaged. The winds tore through parts of the roof, leaving the community without an arena.
The arena was built in 1948, and in 2018, it was voted the Coldest Rink in North America. It was the heartbeat of the community.
"Lots of devastation," said Leanne Tibbatts. "People were so surprised that our structure was damaged so extensively."
474 days later, there is light at the end of the tunnel. At one point, people in the community didn't know if their beloved arena would ever reopen. The roof has since been closed in. Phase two of the project includes completing work inside the arena.
Phase three, the one everyone is waiting for, completion. Tibbatts says the plan is to reopen in the summer of 2026.
"There is a lot of work to be done inside the building in order to meet all of the fire code regulations that are now required in advance of us opening," offered Tibbatts.
The final cost to complete the project is extensive. To help give the committee undertaking the project a boost, the Manitoba government has stepped up. The government has contributed $100,000 through its From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program.
The money will be key in completing the project, which has everyone in the community buzzing.
"We are extremely grateful. It was phenomenal to receive the $100,000 from the Manitoba government," continued Tibbatts. "We are glad that the MLA for Brandon, Minister Glen Simard, was supportive of our project and felt the need to provide the funding. It'll certainly help us to cover expenses that are associated with repairing the building."
When the arena is ready to reopen, there will be a grand opening. Tibbatts says it'll be an emotional day and there will be so much to celebrate.
"It is our central gathering space, the hub of the community," ended Tibbatts. "It's where people come together for community events, funerals, weddings, celebrations, as well as sporting activities."
The Foxwarren Foxwarren and District Recreation Centre comes back to life in the summer of 2026
