Winnipeg Councillor Calls for Funding Reform for School Play Structures

A recent report by Winnipeg councillor Brian Mayes highlights the urgent need for coordinated funding from the province, municipalities, and school divisions to improve school play structures across Manitoba. Mayes presented findings after ten days of consultations with parents, school administrators, and local politicians, revealing significant gaps in funding for playgrounds, especially as many existing structures have outlived their usefulness.

Currently, the Manitoba government does not allocate funds for play structures when new schools are constructed. This has led to a reliance on parent advisory councils, which often resort to fundraising initiatives, such as bake sales, to finance new playground equipment. Mayes emphasized, “The problem persists that we’re asking parents to raise money for things that shouldn’t be the subject of bake sales.” He advocates for a more structured financial plan to address the issue.

One of Mayes’s key recommendations is for the province to guarantee funding for playgrounds in all new kindergarten to Grade 5 schools. He proposes that one percent of the construction cost be allocated specifically for play structures, which should apply to newer schools, including Bison Run in Waverley West and École Sage Creek Bonavista. Mayes stated, “It just seems self-evident that if you’re building a $63-million school, include a play structure.”

Funding Models and Best Practices

Mayes’s report suggests implementing a funding model similar to that of Saskatchewan, where the province allocates $3.75 million annually for new school playground builds and repairs, with grants reaching up to $50,000. He also highlights the success of the Brandon School Division and the City of Brandon, which each contribute $50,000 annually for playground renewals. This collaborative approach could serve as a blueprint for other municipalities, including Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg School Division has taken steps to address this issue by prohibiting door-to-door fundraising for building upgrades. The division is committed to upgrading three playgrounds annually through its own funding. Mayes believes that by adopting strategies employed by other regions, more schools can benefit from enhanced play facilities.

Community Impact and Ongoing Efforts

At Springfield Heights School in North Kildonan, the community is actively pursuing a new play structure after the previous one was closed in October 2025 due to safety concerns. Volunteer Trevor Bartkiewicz, part of the school’s parent council subcommittee, noted that their fundraising efforts, including a recent doughnut sale that raised about $5,000, fall short of the estimated $250,000 needed for a new structure.

Bartkiewicz expressed the urgency of addressing this need, stating, “Any attention I think is good, but our main focus right now is we have 465 kids that don’t have access to what at the beginning of the year I assumed was just part of every school.” He believes that Mayes’s report will significantly benefit schools seeking upgrades, especially since grant funding is highly competitive.

Education Minister Tracy Schmidt visited Springfield Heights with Mayes and has received a copy of his report. Following previous announcements of $100,000 commitments for new playgrounds at Sansome School and Bairdmore School, Schmidt acknowledged that “the government recognizes the vital role playgrounds” play in children’s well-being and is open to discussing ideas for improvement.

As the conversation around school play structures evolves, Mayes’s report aims to create a framework for sustainable funding that alleviates the burden on parents and ensures that all children have access to safe and engaging play environments.