History of Current Recreation Facilities

The Town of Virden currently operates an arena, built in the 1950’s, and an outdoor pool.  Three different service clubs operate individual halls and the Virden Curling Club operates a four sheet curling rink.  The arena and curling rink are nearing the practical end of their useful and economical life, while the halls are not adequate in size to meet the needs of the citizens in the area. 

Public Consultation

The Town of Virden held a public meeting with   approximately 200 citizens in attendance that included facility user group representatives, seniors and youth groups and partnering municipalities.  A community needs analysis was prepared following this meeting determining that the community would like to establish a multi-use recreation complex that can provide recreation and social based programming that is   currently not available in Virden and area.  Following that, a number of meetings were held with the various user groups of the facility and grounds to establish their individual needs. 

Proposed Site

The new facility will be located in the area of the existing recreation facilities and designed in such a manner that the existing curling rink can be added on in the future if necessary.  The Town is working on a long-term design for this area so that the majority of the recreation opportunities in the community will be located on this site, including the soccer fields, ball diamonds, and other outdoor events including the agricultural activities.  

Proposed Facility

Located in the Town of Virden, the multi-purpose facility is being designed to accommodate a hockey arena, with a minimum of 1,200 individual seats, and a walking track on the concourse, a 500 seat banquet hall that can be divided into three separate sections for the hosting of smaller meetings and events, with kitchen facilities, a fitness centre, and a four sheet curling club facility with lounge and canteen area.  Also included in the common area for administration offices, concessions, lounging space, retails sales space and additional offices.  

Operating Costs 

The building is being designed to a LEED Silver standard.  The engineer has indicated that the Town will see a payback on the mechanical portion of the installation within five years when the maintenance portion of the budget will decrease dramatically and allow for a preventative maintenance program to be put in place.  This program will also result in better utilization of staff resources as they will not be spending their time constantly repairing the building and equipment. 

For further information please contact; 

Tim Howell - (204)748-7898

Jeff McConnell - (204)748-1220

Dan Cosgrove - (204)748-3485 or 748-4424  

Donations are welcome at: 

Town of Virden

236 Wellington Street West

Box 310

Virden, Manitoba

R0M 2C0

(204) 748-2440