Klein would redirect money to fix derelict arenas

Mayoral candidate Kevin Klein is proposing to redirect funds meant for bike and walking paths to aging arenas in the city. Klein cited the River East Royal Knights hockey club as an example, as their Terry Sawchuk Arena has been closed due to structural issues with glulam beams. Klein also mentioned the West Kildonan Memorial Community Centre, which is closed for the hockey season after failing an inspection.

He alleged that the city is not using an $8 million fund designated for arena repairs. City council approved the fund in 2022, but statistics on its expenditure were not available by print deadline. Klein stated that the money should be used for the projects it was intended for, and he would review the city's investment in the planned South Winnipeg Recreation Campus.

He criticized the city for allegedly "bullying" the hockey club president, Barry Bonni, over the arena repairs. Incumbent mayoral candidate Scott Gillingham promised a $60 million capital fund for aging recreational hubs and questioned where Klein would cut if he complained about investments in recreation facilities and arenas.