By Sarah Klein

The University of Winnipeg United Health and RecPlex was dedicated on Friday, November 7, 2014. (KELLY MORTON PHOTO)
A dedication ceremony put the final touches on the recently-opened University of Winnipeg United Health and RecPlex on Friday.
Having opened in September, the 168,000-square-foot facility on Spence Street came at a cost of $40 million.
Respected elders Mary and Percy Houle, from the Ebb and Flow First Nation, accompanied by the North Wolf Ojibway Drum Group, officiated the dedication ceremony with a traditional pipe ceremony to bless the complex.
The facility handles programming for Wesmen athletes and UWinnipeg students, as well as neighbourhood youth and residents, and amateur sports organizations requiring space.
“Since the doors of the RecPlex opened in September, it has been alive with activities, from soccer matches, rock climbing and wrestling practices, to seniors exercising, girls hoop dancing and a weekly community Pow Wow club,” said UWinnipeg president and vice-chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee.
“This is a world class facility that is bringing people together to do exactly what was intended: create new opportunities for recreation and for improving the health, safety and wellbeing of our students and the broader community.”
Following the ceremony, public tours were given to show the community what the RecPlex has to offer.