Reality of New Tache Community Centre Thrills Council

By Dan Guetre Taché

With the Province and Federal Governments solidifying a funding commitment to the RM of Taché of $8 million towards their new community centre, it would be an understatement to say council is happy as it was one of the last pieces in the puzzle to bring a dream to reality.

“Council and I are ecstatic with the funding news,” said Taché Mayor Armand Poirier. “This allows us to begin a project which will now make our community whole again.”

“This new community centre will serve our citizens and ratepayers in multiple ways,” he added. “The arena facility will be welcomed by young and old. I have no doubt this community centre will be a hub for all citizens of Taché.”

Poirier explained that in addition to a new library and seniors drop in centre, the community centre will be a social gathering space complete with walking track. The Municipality is still working on the financial structure of their share.

“It is expected the entire project could cost as much as $18 million,” said Poirier. “Inflation, supply chain shortages and weather may affect the final outcome of the project.

“Over and above the $8 million granted by the federal and provincial governments the RM of will make up most of the difference with monies set aside in its reserves which includes a $1.5 million commitment from the LUD of Lorette, the proceeds from the 36 Hour Hockey Tournament, donations from the Thrifty Treasures, monies accumulated by the Library committee and money received from a grant to the Ble d’or seniors group as well as the proceeds from the sale of their hall,” he explained.

“Whatever shortfall will be covered through general borrowing by the RM, however I do not expect to see much if any impact on the community.”

In addition, Poirier said the plan is to bring in additional revenue through advertising opportunities.

“The various user groups have long touted the idea of additional fundraising through sponsorship and naming rights which I expect will also yield a significant amount of money,” he said.

Poirier could not give an exact date of when shovels will be in the ground.

“I’m optimistic we will see the project see light of day this spring or early summer with a late 2024/early 2025 opening,” he estimated.

Poirier assured that this project will have absolutely no impact on other planned projects within the municipality. On the contrary, he expects the long expected arrival of a new community centre will further attract people to become part of the communities which will spur additional economic development in Taché.

As for the reason we were successful in obtaining grants I believe there are multiple reasons.

Poirier is thankful for everyone who had their hand for making this project become a reality.

“The community has been working very hard for a very long time - to the point of exasperation raising money, trying to convince both levels of government we needed to replace an aged, decrepit, moulding, sometimes rat occupied facility,” he said. “In addition to this we received much appreciated help and support from CDEM, the economic arm of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities, with the application processes and lobbying assistance through the AMBM.”

Poirier, in his first term as a councilor was a vocal proponent of Taché becoming part of the Francophone organization.

“This community center will be for everyone,” Poirier concluded. “The spinoffs will reward each and every citizen of this municipality for decades to come.”