The Manitoba government has announced that it is investing $3.1 million in the Grunthal Arena through the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities (GRO) program.
“Community spaces like the Grunthal Arena are at the heart of rural Manitoba, bringing people together and supporting the health and vitality of our towns,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Our government is proud to invest in this important project, ensuring the arena remains a safe, accessible and welcoming place for families, athletes and visitors for decades to come. This renovation reflects our commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and supporting communities as they grow and thrive.”
The Rural Municipality (RM) of Hanover’s Grunthal Arena Modernization Project will extend the lifespan of the arena and enhance its role as a key gathering space for sports, recreation and community events by including updated facilities, accessible entrances and improved public spaces. Once complete, the arena will better serve the needs of all community members and foster a renewed sense of local pride.
“The RM of Hanover would like to thank the Manitoba government for this amazing contribution to this much-needed recreation facility for the community of Grunthal,” said Jim Funk, reeve, RM of Hanover. “In Manitoba, where our climate limits the amount of meaningful exercise you can do outdoors for a large portion of the year, having a rehabilitated arena that can be used for numerous sports events and physical activities will have health benefits or our citizens. Amenities like this will provide more reasons to choose to live in our municipality.”
The project will enhance accessibility, safety and energy efficiency for a regional facility that serves the community of Grunthal, the RM of Hanover and surrounding areas, supporting a population of approximately 18,000. Demolition of the current lobby is scheduled to begin this spring, with construction taking place from May through November 2026.
The project includes a new lobby, expanded dressing rooms, improved public spaces, a new tractor shed, ice resurfacer and a modern ammonia ice plant, replacing the outdated Freon system. The ammonia plant will significantly increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The new lobby will improve accessibility, while larger dressing rooms and upgraded public spaces will boost safety and comfort.
Manitoba GRO is an application-based program designed to help Manitoba municipalities advance critical infrastructure that will support growing and sustainable communities. For 2025-26, funding of up to $42 million is being made available through Manitoba’s annual Rural Strategic Infrastructure Basket, delivered under the Strategic Municipal Investment Fund. Manitoba GRO is available to all Manitoba municipalities located outside Winnipeg.
