PRESS RELEASE - John Blumberg Softball Complex Lease

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2023

Softball Manitoba has leased John Blumberg Softball Complex (JBSC) from the City of Winnipeg since 1990. The lease has evolved over the years to its current version which sees the Tenant (Softball Manitoba) assuming the responsibility for all operations, maintenance and capital costs associated with the leased premises. 

JBSC has always operated as a not-for-profit and as such any revenue raised through field rentals, entrance fees or food and beverage sales have been used to cover costs of staffing, operations and maintenance, and for the start-up costs for the next season. Capital investment costs for infrastructure upgrades or improvements have never been a part of the financial forecasts at the park.

The City of Winnipeg’s “Ward Detail Report, 2021 Report on Parks and Open Spaces Assets” identifies the need to invest $3.2 Million into the facility, these investments include, but are not limited to, electrical for field lighting, plumbing and irrigation systems (including septic systems and cisterns), field leveling and sod and fencing. As a Provincial Sport Organization, Softball Manitoba is responsible for providing programming and resources to develop the sport of Softball in our Province, our mandate does not include operating a facility or complex that provides services to a single region of the Province.

After review, the Board of Directors at Softball Manitoba have decided to end our lease with the City of Winnipeg.

Larry Giesbrecht
President, Softball Manitoba