Winnipeg Councillor Calls for New Funding for School Play Structures

A report by Winnipeg Councillor Brian Mayes has highlighted the critical need for new funding mechanisms for school play structures in Manitoba. Following ten days of consultations with parents, school officials, and local politicians, Mayes called for a collaborative approach involving the provincial government, municipalities, and school divisions to address the issue of aging and inadequate playground facilities.

Currently, the Manitoba government does not allocate funding for play structures when constructing new schools. As a result, many school divisions struggle to fill this funding gap, often relying on parents to raise money through fundraising initiatives. Mayes remarked, “The problem persists that we’re asking parents to raise money for things that shouldn’t be the subject of bake sales.” He emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to finance these essential playground facilities.

One of Mayes’s key recommendations is that the province ensure funding for play structures in all new kindergarten to Grade 5 schools. He proposed that a minimum of one percent of the construction budget for these schools be designated for play structures, including the recently built Bison Run in Waverley West and École Sage Creek Bonavista. “It just seems self-evident that if you’re building a $63 million school, include a play structure,” Mayes stated, expressing his disbelief that this has not been standard practice in new school constructions.

The report also suggests establishing a standardized approach for parent advisory councils to help identify grant opportunities and playground suppliers. Mayes referenced a successful funding model used in Saskatchewan, where the provincial government allocates $3.75 million annually for new play structures and repairs, offering grants of up to $50,000.

In addition, the City of Winnipeg and other municipalities could adopt a model similar to that of the Brandon School Division, which contributes $50,000 annually alongside the City of Brandon for playground renewals. Currently, the Winnipeg School Division has a policy against door-to-door fundraising for infrastructure upgrades and commits to three annual playground upgrades funded by the division.

The need for updated play structures is pressing. At Springfield Heights School in North Kildonan, the existing play structure was closed in October 2025 due to safety concerns. Trevor Bartkiewicz, a volunteer on the school’s parent council subcommittee, is spearheading fundraising efforts for a new playground. While a recent doughnut fundraiser raised about $5,000, the council’s goal is to collect $250,000 for the new structure. Bartkiewicz expressed the urgency of the situation, noting, “We have 465 kids that don’t have access to what…was just part of every school.”

Bartkiewicz believes that Mayes’s report will aid schools seeking play structure upgrades, particularly as grant funding tends to be highly competitive. He acknowledged the challenges involved in securing funding and the necessity of aligning with the school division on decisions. “It’s not an easy fix. There’s probably a lot of need within communities, within schools,” he added, emphasizing the importance of additional funding.

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt visited Springfield Heights with Mayes and received a copy of the report. She stated, “Hopefully this has some influence on what the province is going to do going forward.” Last April, the provincial government announced two commitments of $100,000 each for new play areas at Sansome School and Bairdmore School. Schmidt acknowledged the significant role playgrounds play in children’s development and expressed a willingness to consider ideas aimed at enhancing children’s well-being.

As discussions around funding for school play structures continue, the call for a more structured financial approach may pave the way for improved facilities that benefit children across Manitoba.