Cameron Friesen for Morden-Winkler

Pawlooza starts Today! Many local businesses are participating in a fundraiser for @genesishousesouth & @pvhsociety2015! Each participant is offering a unique item or service and donating a percentage of sales toward these two local charities! Pawlooza runs March 26th to April 2nd! Be sure to check out all the businesses who are participating! #PembinaValleyPawlooza... https://pvhsociety.ca/upcoming-events

Pleased to attend today’s virtual announcement by federal Minister of Infrastructure Catherine McKenna for a $260M investment between Valley Fiber, The Canada Infrastructure Bank and DIF Capital. This agreement will increase broadband throughout Southern Manitoba, install 2550kms of fiber optics, and connect up to 49,000 rural homes with dedicated fibre-to-the-home. Congratulations to this Winkler-based business that continues to grow rapidly, add to our economy and create jobs. A great day!

Our government is proud to be providing $25, 500 to the Winkler Seniors Centre under the Safe at Home Program. The Centre will be using the funds for their Stay Safe Activity Kits for the seniors in their programs. $5M in funds are being distributed to 160 recipients. https://www.safeathomemb.ca/

March 22-28 has been proclaimed as Manufacturing Week in Manitoba. Manufacturing accounts for 60,000 jobs in our province, and many right here in our communities. The Morden/Winkler region is home to a strong, vibrant and growing manufacturing sector - creating jobs, providing opportunities for youth, and investing back into our community. Right across our region, manufacturers are investing in their people and in innovative technologies and processes, to become globally competitive. Especially considering the unprecedented challenges of the past year, we recognize our manufacturing sector today!

Congratulations to the City of Morden for the recent award of $6,400 for local programming to help keep Manitobans engaged while at home. Stay Safe At Home Grant was allocated for a snowshoe rental initiative and virtual programs during COVID-19 pandemic. https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html

Manitoba 150 committee has announced the recipients of Honour 150, an award presented by Canada Life. Nominated by people in their own communities, we honour today the 150 people from across the Province that stand out for their role in making Manitoba great. Also, a special congratulations to two such people in our own community, Clare Agnew (Morden) and Gary Gilmour (Winkler). Thank you for your outstanding contributions to our community over the years. https://manitoba150.com/en/programs/honour-150-recipients/

Pleased to see the walking track now open at Meridian Exhibition Centre. I was happy to help out when Winkler reached out for assistance late last week to determine whether the track could open under the new re-opening guidelines. Our Stakeholder Response Unit got involved and promptly provided the needed clarification and approval. Good to see people out taking advantage of our newest community recreation asset! https://www.pembinavalleyonline.com//d-a-loewen-walking-tr

#winklerbiblecamp is getting creative again, now hosting a valentines fundraiser drive in show. The night includes snacks, a 40 minute show, live speaker and a free will offering to support the camp. February 12, 13 and 14, with showings at 7pm and 8:30 https://www.facebook.com/winklerbiblecamp/posts/10165143710025624

Another example of the partnerships that continue to be forged between our municipal governments. Pleased to see these first-of-their-kind 5-year agreements for recreation services between RM Stanley and the Cities of Winkler and Morden. An efficient and effective approach to sharing recreation infrastructure, ensuring access for all our citizens, and recognizing the top-notch recreation assets that our communities rely on and enjoy. Https://www.pembinavalleyonline.com//stanley-signs-recreat

Congratulations, Eden Mental Health CEO Kym Kaufmann and leadership team for your hard work in advancing the concept of a replacement mental health facility to serve the region. An idea this big will obviously take time, but you’ve been putting in the time and building vision, interest and partnerships. Momentum is building.