HISTORY

The timeline below shows a some of the important events of the Dakota Community Centre. Enjoy this glimpse of the past. 

2017 - Dakota Community Centre Celebrated 30-Years!

  • October 12, 2017 -A large grand opening celebration was held to celebrate 30 years in operation and the opening of the new Dakota Fieldhouse. Over 3000 people attended this event and enjoyed refreshment and a tour of the new Fieldhouse facility.
  • November 24, 2017 - A funding announcement was made public for the "New JumpStart Community Rink" coming to Dakota Communicty Centre in spring 2018! The new outdoor rink will be a year round recreation facility featuring ice sports in the winter and beach volleyball during the summer. The rink will be designed for accessible options to include para-hockey/sledge athletes.
  • 30th Anniversary Festivities begin with posters, banners and ads to announce the 30th Anniversary

2016 - Fieldhouse Construction

  • Construction begins on the new Fieldhouse; completion expected in the Fall of 2017
  • Dakota launches new website
  • Jonathan Toews donates $1,000,000 to the new Fieldhouse and takes a seat as the Honorary Chair of the Dakota Futures Campaign

2015 - New Leadership Takes the Helm

  • Jonathan Toews returns to the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex to celebrate his 3rd Stanley Cup win in 5 years!
  • North Rink undergoes complete refurbishment in June/July
  • Michele Augert, long-time resident of St. Vital joins the Dakota Community Centre as its new CEO
  • October – Community Open House to view final Fieldhouse designs
  • November – Sod Turning for New Fieldhouse, Mayor Brian Bowman in attendance

2014 - Best In Winnipeg

  • Jonathan Toews Community Centre (Dakota) named ‘Best Community Centre in Winnipeg,’ by Canstar Community News
  • Enewsletter launched
  • Main building renamed “Jonathan Toews Sportsplex”, with the blessing of Jonathan and his family, The entire campus would revert to the name Dakota Community Centre.

2013 - Jonathan Toews 2nd Stanley Cup Win

  • February – New Fieldhouse project officially announced, funding commitments from Province and City
  • Jonathan Toews returns to celebrate his 2nd Stanley Cup Win!
  • Dakota Christmas Craft Sale celebrates 25 years
  • Dakota Fitness Programs is born

2013 - Multiplex Vision

  • Multiplex facility (Fieldhouse) proposal shared with community
  • Preliminary design and geotechnical study for Fieldhouse underway
  • New sign and digital reader board installed on Dakota St.

2012 - DCC Launches Seniors/Older Adult Program

  • Motion sensor lighting installed. System to recycle waste heat from ice plant to heat water used for ice flooding installed
  • Centre used as backdrop to film, “The Don Cherry Story 2”
  • Dakota 55+ Lazers Program is launched 

2010 - The Year of Jonathan Toews

  • Jonathan Toews returns to Dakota with his first Stanley Cup and Olympic Gold Medal; a parade through South St.Vital, followed by a celebration at the DCC
  • Mayor Sam Katz announces at the Stanley Cup Celebration that DCC will be renamed the Jonathan Toews Community Centre

1997 - Dakota Gets 2 Indoor Arenas

  • New addition included 2 covered ice rinks and a great hall

1992 - Kids Love it Here!

  • Over 1000 children registered - 16 baseball teams, 16 softball teams, 5 T-ball teams, 16 soccer and 24 mini soccer teams.  In winter sports there were 420 boys and girls registered to play hockey
  • Saturday, May 20 - First All-Night Bingo

1991 - Outdoor Sports Gets a Boost

  • Received a $17,140 contribution in the form of new baseball diamonds and soccer fields.  Funds raised in a Qualico promotion, “diamonds are a kid’s best friend.”

1990 - New Milestones

  • The number of registered families exceeded 1000
  • October 27 - Grand Opening for the new addition of the building 

1989 - Bigger and Better

  • Lorraine Baisinger, elected President
  • Construction begins on Phase 2. Includes: gymnasium, expanded upstairs hall, activity room, common area, kitchen and canteen facilities, office and full basement
  • In September the Board voted to add black to the official club colors

1987 - Dakota CC Starts to Take Shape

  • January 29, 1987 – Official date of incorporation
  • Soccer, t-ball, softball and adults slow-pitch teams established
  • Construction starts on the first phase of the Dakota Community Center. Facility includes: dressing rooms, mechanical room, washing facilities, activity area and sports equipment storage space

1986 - Infrastructure Development

  • Launched first sports programs beginning with soccer
  • The colors grey, white and red were chosen
  • Team name is chosen – The “Dakota Lazers”

1985 - A Name is Chosen

  • The name, “Dakota Community Centre” was chosen from 18 suggestions. The winner took home a $50 prize!

1984 - The Journey Begins

  • Public meeting to discuss a recreation group that would later form the Dakota Community Centre