Safe spaces, stronger communities

Notre Dame

As your MLA for Notre Dame, I regularly hear from families about the importance of safe, welcoming, and affordable opportunities for young people during the summer months. Last year, after our community experienced a rise in youth crime in some neighbourhoods, local schools, community organizations, and residents came together to find solutions rooted in connection, mentorship, and recreation.

That collaboration helped launch Summer in the City, a completely free summer recreation program created with input directly from youth in our community. Students told us they wanted sports, cultural activities, outings, safe spaces to spend time with friends, and opportunities to connect with mentors. Educators and community leaders also emphasized the importance of healthy meals, homework support, and positive programming throughout the summer.

This year, I am proud that Summer in the City 2026 will continue building on that success. Thanks to a $140,000 investment from our NDP government, young people aged 8 to 16 will once again have access to free summer programming from July 6 to August 14. Programs such as this remove financial barriers for families and ensure every young person has the opportunity to stay active, connected, and supported throughout the summer months.

Wellington School will serve as one of the home bases for the program, with additional locations being planned across Winnipeg’s West End, Brooklands and Weston neighbourhoods. Youth participating in the program will also have the opportunity to take part in weekly outings and trips, giving them the chance to explore activities and experiences outside of the school home bases and connect with the broader community.

What stands out most about this program is the feedback from participants themselves. Youth shared that the program helped them feel safe, welcomed, and connected, while many also gained confidence, leadership skills, and friendships. These are the kinds of experiences that help young people see positive futures for themselves and their communities.

I especially want to thank One Voice One Team and Evermore Gather Grow Lead for their tireless leadership, commitment to positive mentorship in our community and incredible work they do supporting youth.

As we look ahead to another summer, I am excited to see young people learning new skills, building friendships, and creating positive memories together. By investing in free opportunities for youth and strengthening community connections, we are helping build a safer, healthier, and more vibrant Notre Dame for everyone.

For more information on Summer in the City or to raise any questions or concerns, please contact the Notre Dame Constituency Office at 204-788-0800 or by email at malaya.marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca. Families also contact Evermore at 204-772-9315 or by email at info@evermoreggl.com, or they can call One Voice One Team at 905-487-0150 for additional program information.