Building Canada strong by supporting professional women's soccer in Winnipeg

News provided by

Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Sep 08, 2026, 14:15 ET

WINNIPEG, MB, Sept. 8, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building a strong Canada starts with investing in the modern and reliable infrastructure that makes it possible to increase housing supply and create resilient communities.

The Build Communities Strong Fund is investing $51 billion in a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.

The federal government is investing more than $2.1 million in a new soccer facility and upgrades to the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.

The investment will support the construction of a professional-grade modular stadium for Northern Super League (NSL) matches, high-level soccer, and community events, while continuing to support Winnipeg Soccer Federation programming and creating a lasting community asset for athletes, families, and residents. It will also help position Winnipeg to welcome an NSL club as Canada's professional women's soccer league expands.

The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come. 

Quotes

"Sport is so much more than physical activity, it is an important part of our culture and the fabric of our communities. It brings people together, supports physical health and well-being, and gives young people opportunities to build confidence, friendships, and lifelong skills. Investing in sport means investing in healthier, more connected communities. Ensuring our sports facilities are accessible means everyone can participate and cheer on their community without barriers. This funding will help create an inclusive facility that serves our community for generations to come."

Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre

"Sport has the power to shape lives and connect people in ways that very few things can. This new multi-use sports facility will build on the legacy of women's soccer in Canada, creating more opportunities for Canadians to play, train and proudly wear the maple leaf on the world stage. By investing in projects like this, we are strengthening women's sport and our ability to host major sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while supporting participation and inspiring the next generation of athletes. We're building Canada Strong, from playground to podium."

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport of Canada

"For decades, Manitobans have demonstrated a deep passion for soccer. From community clubs and school programs, to provincial and national competitions - soccer has brought people together in every corner of our province, and across the globe. The establishment of a professional women's soccer team creates a new pathway for talented athletes right here at home. The Province of Manitoba is thrilled to be part of this historic announcement."

The Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism

"Today, we're opening new doors for women and girls in sport. A professional women's soccer team means young athletes can see a future for themselves excelling in the sport they love. This is an important step forward for women's sport in Manitoba, showing there is no limit to what women and girls can achieve."

The Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families and Minister responsible for Accessibility and Gender Equity

"This project is another great example of what we can accomplish when governments and community partners work together. The City of Winnipeg is proud to join the federal and provincial governments and the Northern Super League in building a great new community facility at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex. It will create more opportunities for girls and young women to play, compete and see a pathway to the highest levels of the sport right here in Winnipeg. We want professional women's soccer to thrive in our city, and this partnership is an important step toward making that possible."

His Worship Scott Gillingham, Mayor of the City of Winnipeg

"Bringing professional women's soccer to more Canadian communities depends on partnership and investment in local infrastructure. The NSL is grateful for this funding that ensures our players have modern, professional facilities that will help Canada attract and retain the best players in the world. Beyond elite competition, our league aims to develop homegrown players and inspire greatness on and off the pitch, and we are excited about what this club, the stadium and venue enhancements will mean to the Winnipeg sports and soccer community." 

Christina Litz, President of Northern Super League

"This is more than a stadium project. It's an opportunity to rethink sports infrastructure altogether, and what a modern venue can be: adaptive, community-anchored, and built to evolve alongside the sport itself. We're proud to bring that approach to Winnipeg and help build a home worthy of the next chapter of professional women's soccer. Investments like this strengthen the game at every level and create the facilities and opportunities needed to support the continued growth of soccer in Canada."

Dean Shillington, President, SixFive Sports & Entertainment

Quick Facts

  • The federal government is investing up to $2,125,000 in this project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. Project funding is anticipated to include $750,000 from the Province of Manitoba, $600,000 from the City of Winnipeg and $5,025,000 from Northern Super League.
  • The project includes construction of a new multi-use community sports facility with a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators, including accessible seating. The facility will include grandstands, a roof, suites, team facilities, food and beverage services, washrooms, and a standing terrace.
  • Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver funding through three major streams:
    • A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
    • A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years, including $1 billion over 4 years as part of a Local Impact Stream that is being delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support community infrastructure projects with local impact; and,
    • A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years and, indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
  • The Buy Canadian Policy is an important part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. It will help ensure that more of every public dollar goes right into the Canadian economy – creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities.
  • The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will also boost Canada's GDP by $95 billion over the next decade. 
  • Under the Direct Delivery stream, at least 10% of the funding will go towards investments in Indigenous communities.
  • Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.
  • Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling requirements, including those related to consultation with Indigenous peoples and environmental assessment obligations, if applicable.

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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]; Communications and Engagement, Government of Manitoba, [email protected]; Colin Fast, Director of Communications, Office of the Mayor, City of Winnipeg, 204-803-6406, [email protected]; Sherin Manji, Director of Communications, Northern Super League, [email protected]

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Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities