The Winkler City Council has submitted it's $17 million arena addition to the Manitoba Municipal Board

Winkler Mayor Martin Harder commented there had been no objections in the initial moving of the by-law, so there shouldn't be any hearings.

According to by-law No. 2216-18, the current arena is restricting what can be done in the community, because it was "built as a Centennial project for, at that time, a much smaller community." Harder notes the new Meridian Exhibition Centre is "more than what Winkler needs" allowing the centre to service the surrounding area as well.

Despite the fact it is an election year, Harder wants to clarify the passing of the by-law has nothing to do with the election. The project has been in the works for the last four years, and "has come to fruition" this year.

The construction is planned to start in October and continue for approximately one and a half years.

According to the by-law, "the proposed facility is planned to provide a place for all ages, abilities, [and] socio-economic backgrounds through an inclusive approach to recreational design, as well as creating a place to gather," allowing the centre to be a gate to a larger community.