Grunthal Arena receives $3 million in funding for renovations

Grunthal Arena got a boost from the province last week when its renovation project received $3.1 million in funding.

RM of Hanover council and members of the arena’s fundraising committee were on hand during last Thursday’s Red Wings game to make the announcement to a full house.

“Now, with this contribution from the province, the project is 100 percent a go,” said Ward 6 Coun. Curtis Dawydiuk, who sits on the Grunthal Arena Modernization project committee.

The funding comes from the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities program, and Minister for Municipal and Northern Relations Glen Simard stated in a press release that arenas like Grunthal are “the heart of rural Manitoba.”

“This renovation reflects our commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and supporting communities as they grow and thrive,” stated Simard.

Reeve Jim Funk said council is very excited about the funding announcement because it means that more upgrades can be done that wouldn’t have been possible before.

“So, with this now, we are going to be purchasing a new Zamboni. We’re going to be putting a new ice plant in, new lobby, (four) dressing rooms, (a) new tractor shed,” said Funk, a lifelong resident of Grunthal who had been involved with the arena’s board for more than 20 years.

The renovation will see an additional 9,895 sq-ft built onto the existing arena, along with the changes stated by Funk, the arena will also get a new viewing area, a multipurpose room, a hall, and a kitchen.

The arena’s new modern ammonia ice plant will replace its outdated freon system. The ammonia plant will significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. There will be no changes to the rink area other than making the washrooms more accessible.

The cost of the arena has increased by $1 million since the project was first announced in 2024, coming in now between $5.5 million and $6 million. In the year since the fundraising committee was formed, it has raised $1.5 million of a $2 million goal thanks to donations from area farmers and local businesses.

“It started off slowly, and when they realized we were at $1 million, they couldn’t believe it. And when we hit $1.5 million, and we’ve asked lots of people for money,” said committee member Edwin Froese, who has been spearheading the fundraising with Marv Kornelson.

This is the third time the municipality and residents have tried to raise money to renovate the arena. The first time was 30 years ago when they raised $25,000 of a $1 million renovation budget and the second time they tried to raise funds was 10 years ago.

Froese said this time it was different as this council is more “sports minded” and supportive of the project.

Froese, Funk, and Dawydiuk all said the arena is the social and recreational heart the community.

Candice Thiessen welcomed the funding announcement.

“It’s nice to see that it’s actually getting done, that we can get some upgrades on this rustic barn. (For the community) this is their landmark. It is the staple. The barn is the staple for Grunthal.”

Thiessen’s two sons play for the Red Wings and she was the former fundraising head coordinator on the minor hockey board.

“Minor hockey is getting bigger and the town is getting bigger. So, it’s nice to see that we can get more kids in and it’s nice to see that the province is helping that,” she said.

Demolition of the current lobby is scheduled to begin this spring, with construction taking place from May through November 2026. The rink will remain open to the public during construction.

It’s expected that the renovations will extend the lifespan of the 57-year-old arena by another 30 years.