Paddle Manitoba has had a long relationship with the City of Winnipeg's La Barriere Park. From Open Paddles to Instruction Courses, it has been the scene of many on the water activities over the life of the organization. But much has happened off the water during this time too. Paddle Manitoba worked to get the Canoe/Kayak Launch there improved, and more recently, to make use of the former washroom building near the launch.

Paddle Manitoba had an old open trailer in a fenced compound at La Barriere Park to store canoes . However, it was the repeated scene of equipment theft, to the point that we were unable to store anything on site at all. This meant that we were also unable to provide canoes, kayaks, or standup paddleboards for events on the water. But an answer was found with that former washroom building. 

Donating its old trailer for scrap and returning the fenced compound space, Paddle Manintoba has formed a new partnership with the City of Winnipeg at La Barriere Park by garnering use of the former washroom building for a Paddling Centre where equipment can be safely stored on-site again!

Many improvements have already happened: the roof has been repaired and replaced, soffits and fascia have been changed, holes and other patching work to the walls has been completed, new doors have been installed and the interior has been painted. Interior racking, exterior painting, window repairs, and vegetation clearing have also happened, including great new signs on the outside! Gear has started to be moved inside, while more is being sought through donations and partnerships. We are still working on a system to properly allow paddlers to book equipment regularly, but some has been put to use for special events so far. 

Many thanks go to the City of Winnipeg, Park Staff, and the Paddle Manitoba volunteers that have been involved with this project so far. 

 

La Barriere Park: a special place for Paddle Manintoba

 

The old canoe trailer in the storage compound at La Barriere Park: not much for security.

 

The Canoe - Kayak Launch: home of the Paddling Centre at La Barriere Park

 

We're working on it!

 

The Paddling Centre at the Canoe/Kayak Launch drop off area at La Barriere Park.

 

 
Before repairs to the roof, fascia, and soffits. 

 

New doors installed. 

 

New soffits, fascia, and roof. 

 

The interior waiting for paint and racking. 

 

The interior walls and floor painted.

 

Racking installed for canoes, kayaks, or SUPs.

 

The exterior freshly painted. 

 

New signs installed on the exterior.