Event 1 - Dakota Community Centre - Winnipeg MB — L to R: Michele A. Augert, President and CEO of Dakota Community Centre; Cory Shangreaux, Chair of the Dakota Community Centre Board; Markus Chambers, Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg and City Councillor for Seine – St. Norbert; Scott Gillingham, Mayor or the City of Winnipeg; Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South.

Today, Dakota Community Centre (DCC) proudly unveiled two new accessible viewing platforms in the North and South indoor ice arenas at the Jonathan Toews Sportsplex, marking a significant milestone in advancing community inclusion and accessibility.

“Our board heard clearly from community members who wanted to feel welcome and included,” said Cory Shangreaux, Board Chair of Dakota Community Centre. “These platforms are about more than infrastructure — they’re about belonging, independence, and equal access to shared experiences.”

Platform 1 - Dakota Community Centre - Winnipeg MB

These purpose-built platforms ensure that individuals who are unable to climb stairs can now comfortably and safely enjoy ice sports, tournaments, and community events alongside family and friends.

Platform 2 - Dakota Community Centre - Winnipeg MB — Accessibility platforms have been installed in both the North and South rinks of DCC’s Jonathan Toews Sportsplex.

Each platform includes built-in seating for four people, along with four designated spaces for individuals using wheelchairs or walkers. Additional upgrades include new doors equipped with automatic accessibility openers and modified flooring to ensure proper grading to the rink surface.

“True community is built when everyone can participate fully both on the ice and in the stands, said Markus Chambers, Councillor for St.Nobert Seine River. “By removing barriers, the Dakota Community Centre has strengthened the fabric of our neighborhoods. They have recognized that the spirit of the game is best felt when shared without limitation and, that every cheer, every celebration, should be accessible to all. This initiative sets a powerful example of proactive inclusion.”

Platform 3 - Dakota Community Centre - Winnipeg MB — The new platform allows those with mobility challenges to have a comfortable viewing spot of the ice.

This accessibility project was completed in consultation with the Winnipeg Accessibility Design Standard, which provides design requirements for indoor and outdoor environments to ensure barrier-free access for all.

The total cost of the project was $185,000, with $100,000 funded through the City of Winnipeg’s Community Centre Renovation Grant Program and the remaining $85,000 self-funded by DCC.

Event 2 - Dakota Community Centre - Winnipeg MB — City of Winnipeg Mayor, Scott Gillingham spoke to media, staff, and guests at the platform unveiling on Jan. 6.

“Accessible public spaces are essential to building a city where everyone belongs,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “These new viewing platforms ensure more Winnipeggers can fully participate in cheering on loved ones, attending events, and sharing in the joy of sport. A sincere thank you to the Dakota Community Centre Board of Directors for their leadership and their commitment to inclusion.”

DCC remains committed to creating safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces that reflect the needs of the community it serves.