Danielle Kopychanski says she can't imagine her North End community without recreational programs and facilities like wading pools and leisure centres.
In fact she says, there aren't enough already.
"I think we need more to keep our kids busy and off the streets, I think it's a big help," said Kopychanski.
Mynarski Ward City Councillor Ross Eadie agrees and says proposed budget cuts at city hall could mean a loss of those front line services families rely on.
"The mayor, Marty Marantz, anybody who ran on the idea they were going to cut these kind of services they would not have gotten elected. They used the code word efficiency," said Eadie.
He says proposed budget cuts to services in communities, especially in poorer neighborhoods, would only mean a savings of about $500,000.
"The idea was they're going to find $10 million dollars in what they call efficiencies overall in the city which is pretty much equal to 2 percent per department,” added Eadie.
A percentage he says that communities like his can't afford to lose.
And by his calculations and review of the proposed budget so far, he says, the proposed cuts are just a tip of the iceberg.
Elmwood-East Kildonan Councilor Jason Schreyer says while he understands the concerns about proposed cuts to city services, he's confident the new mayor and city council will do the right thing for families.
"These are just proposals at this time, and I can guarantee you what we're talking about today is not what's going to be in the final budget," said Schreyer.
Social Planning Council of Winnipeg spokesperson Dennis Lewycky has not seen the proposed budget yet but says it's imperative the plans ahead includes ways to keep supporting the communities.
"There's so much our council could do to really bring the community together and not just dwell on the social problems,” said Lewycky.
Eadie says about 30 pools and leisure centres are slated for closure or reduced hours.
None of them in suburban neighborhoods.
The city budget is expected to be tabled in March.
