Cricket pitch unveiled at La Barriѐre Park
In August 2025, Winnipeg's high-performance cricket facility officially opened at La Barrière Park, marking a significant milestone in the city's sports landscape. The facility, which began as a single pitch in 2018, has expanded to three high-performance pitches, four practice nets, a batting cage, three shade structures, and over 100 newly planted trees, making it the largest outdoor cricket complex in western Canada.
The project received funding totaling more than $1.1 million from various sources. Waverley West Councillor Janice Lukes contributed nearly $950,000, with additional grants from Councillors Markus Chambers, Brian Mayes, Devi Sharma, Matt Allard, and contributions from past councillors in other wards. The City of Winnipeg Land Dedication Reserve Fund also provided funding for the facility.
Over the past seven years, the site has developed into a multi-pitch facility with plans for further expansion, including a fourth pitch, irrigation system, bleachers, and floodlights to allow games to extend into night hours.
Cricket, according to Councillor Janice Lukes, serves as a "powerful bridge" in Winnipeg, bringing people together through shared passion and friendly rivalry. The facility supports a large and growing cricket community, which in 2025 included 72 competitive teams, up from 18.
The opening of the facility offers opportunities for local players to aspire for playing in bigger leagues and representing their country. Ahad Khojazada, a member of the Manitoba Eagles Cricket Club, stated that the opening means more opportunities for players like him.
City officials, members of the Manitoba Cricket Association (MCA), and community partners celebrated the launch of the cricket fields. The MCA and local players emphasise the social and cultural benefits, fostering friendships and community cohesion.
As Winnipeg grows through immigration, the game of cricket is growing just as rapidly, according to Councillor Janice Lukes. The cricket facility is a testament to the city's multiculturalism and the unity it fosters. The councillor continues to hope and see the cricket facility grow in Winnipeg, serving as a beacon of unity and community spirit.
[1] City of Winnipeg News Release, "Winnipeg's High-Performance Cricket Facility Opens", August 2025. [2] Manitoba Cricket Association Press Release, "Winnipeg's New Cricket Facility Opens", August 2025. [3] Winnipeg Free Press, "Winnipeg's New Cricket Facility Opens in La Barrière Park", August 2025. [4] CBC News, "Winnipeg's High-Performance Cricket Facility Officially Opens", August 2025.
- The opening of Winnipeg's high-performance cricket facility at La Barrière Park is not only a significant milestone in the city's sports landscape, but also a testament to the growing popularity of cricket in the city, particularly among its multicultural community.
- With the new cricket facility offering opportunities for local players to aspire for bigger leagues and even represent their country, it is expected that Winnipeg's cricket community will continue to expand, fostering unity and community spirit.
