ABOUT CENTRO CABOTO CENTRE
A home for Italian culture in Manitoba.
Centro Caboto Centre opened on June 14, 1998 as a meeting place for the Italian community and the wider Manitoba community. Today the centre brings together culture, food, sport, learning, special events and everyday conversation at 1055 Wilkes Avenue.
OUR PURPOSE
Built for a shared future
Owned and operated by the Italian Canadian League of Manitoba, Centro Caboto Centre gives Italian culture in Manitoba a practical home: a place for clubs, families, students, seniors, volunteers, performers and visitors to gather under one roof.
The centre was planned as a self-sustaining home for future generations. Its rooms were designed to change use easily, moving from meetings and rehearsals to banquets, classes, community meals and public celebrations.
TIMELINE
La Nostra Storia
The story of Centro Caboto Centre begins with a community that needed more room and a volunteer project team determined to build something lasting.
01
1964: A united voice
The Italian Canadian League of Manitoba was founded to represent and promote the interests of the Italian Canadian community in Manitoba.
02
1980: Casa D'Italia
The League purchased Casa D'Italia on Notre Dame Avenue, giving the community a home for meetings, events, classes and rehearsals.
03
1990s: Planning the Centro
As Casa D'Italia became too small, a project team planned a new centre with flexible rooms, outdoor grounds and a self-sustaining operating model.
04
1998: Doors open
Centro Caboto Centre officially opened on June 14, 1998 after years of fundraising, public support and volunteer leadership.
FACILITIES
Spaces with meaning
Inside the centre, guests move through Foyer Degli Amici toward the Mauro Conference Centre, La Galleria, the Caboto Library, board room, office spaces, Cafe 13 and indoor bocce lanes.
The grounds extend the life of the building outdoors with calcetto fields, bocce courts, the Sons of Italy Piazza Garibaldi, play areas, parking, and the Commemorative Wall near the Piazza.
COMMUNITY LIFE
What happens here
On any given week, Centro Caboto Centre may hold a language class, choir rehearsal, seniors program, bocce match, board meeting, wedding, dinner or Folklorama planning session.
01
Culture and performance
The centre has hosted Folklorama pavilion activity and remains a rehearsal home for groups such as Splendore D'Italia, and Stelle di Calabria Folk Dancers and Viva L'Italia Choir.
02
Language and learning
Italian language classes, lectures, library resources and archival projects connect people to history, art, food, family stories and regional traditions.
03
Sport and recreation
Calcetto and bocce bring people together across ages, with outdoor fields, outdoor courts and indoor lanes beside Cafe 13.
04
Food and conversation
Cafe 13 gives members and guests a casual place for espresso, snacks, dinners, bocce nights, poker nights, and informal visits after programs.
05
Seniors and families
The well-attended Wednesday seniors program runs from September to June, while families and community tenants use the building throughout the year.
06
Events and hospitality
Weddings, meetings, fundraisers, conferences and private celebrations are supported by flexible rooms and Sorrento's banquet service.
AT A GLANCE
The centre in practical terms
These are the details that shape daily life at Centro Caboto Centre: a cultural mandate, flexible space, outdoor grounds and ongoing care for the building.
1998
Opened June 14
Centro Caboto Centre opened as a meeting place and activity centre for Italian culture in Manitoba.
27,000
Square feet
The Wilkes Avenue building includes event rooms, offices, Cafe 13, indoor bocce, meeting areas and community spaces.
7.2
Acres of grounds
Outdoor space supports calcetto, bocce, the Piazza, play areas, parking and community gatherings.
ICLM
Owned and operated
The Italian Canadian League of Manitoba owns and operates the centre and continues its community mandate.
Almost 600
Commemorative names
The Commemorative Wall near the Piazza honours loved ones and supports the centre for future generations.
2022
Renewal work
Public infrastructure support helped fund mechanical, lighting and washroom upgrades for long-term sustainability.
LET US HELP
Visit, gather or celebrate with us.
Whether you are exploring a program or planning a private event, Centro Caboto Centre is ready to welcome you.
