Trail Talking

Summer Wrap-up

  • Bob Lagassé, Author
  • Member of the Legislative Assembly, Dawson Trail

Summer has come to an end and back-to-school season is now in full-swing. Even though the summer season isn’t nearly long enough, I hope you were all able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we had these last couple of months, and I hope that we continue to see a similar trend in the weeks to come.

In August, I had a great time attending some wonderful events that were being held throughout our province. On the local front, I was able to attend the Richer Roughstock Rodeo with MLA for Fort Whyte Obby Khan and participate in the Landmark Friendship Festival parade. Outside of Dawson Trail, I had the opportunity to visit several of the Folklorama pavilions. Manitoba is an incredibly diverse and culturally rich province, and I am glad that I was able to attend this wonderful festival and be immersed in just a few of the cultures that make up our diverse population. I’d like to extend thanks to all the dedicated and hardworking individuals that made these fantastic events possible.

At the beginning of the month, I had the pleasure of participating in the Dawson Trail Days parade in Ste. Anne. It was great getting to kick off the end of summer by handing out candy to constituents and spending time in the community.

I would like to take a moment to highlight a recent government announcement. The new Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund will provide grants to support the arts, culture (heritage, public libraries, and ethnocultural organizations) and amateur sport sectors, enhancing Manitobans’ opportunities to access quality programming and facilities in their own community.

Over three years, up to $100 million in funding will be distributed to support three programs: large capital projects, small capital projects and special initiatives, and community celebrations. The programs will allow local arts, culture and sport organizations to innovate and respond to emerging community needs, including those that are led by Indigenous, Francophone and ethnocultural communities. All eligible non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply. If you have questions about the fund and the application process, call 1-866 Manitoba (626-4862).