About GCWCC

The General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres (GCWCC) was established in 1971 when the 13 autonomous municipalities and the City of Winnipeg were amalgamated to form Unicity. GCWCC's primary purpose was to be a central resource for all Community Centres and to facilitate cooperation and communication among the Community Centres, and between the Community Centres and City administration. 

Winnipeg is renowned for its volunteers, who have been the backbone of the Community Centre movement since the Post War Era.

While these are still GCWCC’s primary responsibilities, our mandate has broadened to encompass leadership in the areas of governance, capital investments, operations and programming. To support Community Centre volunteers and promote sound practices, GCWCC has developed programs and services that provide leadership development, financial accountability and training, governance support with standard constitutions, board orientation and training, workplace health and safety, as well as support with administrative matters (job descriptions, labour relations, etc.).

Winnipeg is renowned for its volunteers, who have been the backbone of the Community Centre movement since the Post War Era. Winnipeg is home to 63 Community Centres, all as diverse as the neighbourhoods they are in. More than 17,000 people volunteer at Community Centres, which represents over one million volunteer hours.

The community centre model in Winnipeg is unique from other Canadian cities. While they are owned by the City, they are not run or staffed by the City. Instead, each is governed and operated by a group of volunteers with a community-elected Board of Directors. The City provides an annual operating grant to cover basic maintenance and utilities expenses, while the Community Centres are responsible for covering all other costs including staffing, programming, capital improvements and equipment.

Winnipeg is home to 63 Community Centres, all as diverse as the neighbourhoods they are in.

Like the Community Centres themselves, GCWCC is run by a volunteer board that is supported by four staff. GCWCC’s Executive Director and a City of Winnipeg Community Services representative are ex-officio members.

Our Mission,
Vision and Values

Mission

GCWCC provides leadership and guidance to volunteers to develop and sustain Community Centres for the citizens of Winnipeg.

Vision

To lead and guide Winnipeg's unique volunteer-based Community Centre model into a strong and vibrant future.

Values

  • GCWCC recognizes the value of volunteers.
  • GCWCC operates in a collaborative and respectful manner.
  • GCWCC is accountable to our stakeholders (membership, funding bodies, the City of Winnipeg and its residents) through transparent, flexible, responsive and open operations.
  • GCWCC recognizes that Winnipeg is a diverse community, and all citizens should have access to inclusive and safe programs and services.

Click here for the GCWCC Constitution and Bylaws

Click here for the GCWCC Strategic Plan

Our Team

2022-2024
Executive Committee

Mike Purdy President
Bill Jost 1st Vice President
Nathan Wild 2nd Vice President
Tim Killeen Past President
Lora Meseman Executive Director

2023-2024
Representative Board

Christa Boulton: District #1
Murray Cunningham: District #2
Tracy Ball: District #3
Subhdeep Sidhu District #4
Paul Pelletier: District #5
Mike Stuart: Hockey Winnipeg
Representative
Jenna Bartz: City Appointee 
Tom Ethans: City Appointee 
Janice Edwards: City Appointee 
Hector Argueta

Community Services
Representative

Bruce Kazun Member at Large 
Larry Gledhill Member at Large

Staff

Lora Meseman

Executive Director
Arthur Pearson: Community Centre Facility
and Program Coordinator
Elesio Lasuba Financial Officer
Theresa Oquialda Adminstrative Assistant
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