River East Collegiate Celebrates Revitalized Racetrack

On June 7, a crowd gathered at the running track behind River East Collegiate and endured some very wet weather to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the track’s recent $850,000 renewal.

The previously battered asphalt surface was transformed into a modern, rubberized, 400-metre track thanks to funding from three Winnipeg city councillors—Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan), Markus Chambers (St. Norbert), and Brian Mayes (St. Vital). 

Councillor Browaty, an REC alumnus, led the initiative with $305,000 in funding, councillor Chambers, also an REC alumnus, provided $250,000 for the project, and councillor Mayes, who is an avid runner, provided a $295,000 contribution.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our heartfelt thanks to councillors Jeff Browaty, Markus Chambers, and Brian Mayes for their generosity in providing the funding for this project," said Colleen Carswell, chair of the Board of Trustees. "Their investment has revitalized this track, transforming it into an outdoor hub for the school and local community to enjoy now and well into the future."

Others bringing greetings at the event were trustee Brenda Bage, who is the ward trustee, REC principal Brian Locken, REC phys-ed teacher Danielle Fontaine, current REC athletes Jasper Robb and Natalie Wiebe, and REC track alumni Lauren Enns and Calvin Reimer. 

Also present were trustees Rod Giesbrecht, Sheri Hanson, and Shannon Hiebert, superintendent/CEO Sandra Herbst, secretary-treasurer/CFO Elise Downey, Concordia MLA Matt Wiebe, and St. Vital MLA Jamie Moses (another REC alumnus).