View From the Legislature

Earlier this week, I attended the Mennonite Heritage Village with Provencher MP Ted Falk, Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen and Mennonite Heritage Village executive director Barry Dyck to announce that the Manitoba Government is investing in three projects in Steinbach that will benefit the community. Also attending were City Councillors Susan Penner and John Fehr.

Through community development programs such as Community Places, Partner 4 Growth, and Hometown Manitoba, the Manitoba government is providing $94,265 in community development grants in Steinbach. These local projects being funded include $10,500 to construct a new play structure at the Giesbrecht Park playground, $48,152 for repairs and upgrades to the Steinbach Aquatic Centre, including the replacement of glass block windows and lockers, and $35,627 to complete the replacement of the HVAC systems at the Mennonite Heritage Village.

This funding announcement is part of a major investment in community development programs that support important community projects across Manitoba.

It is particularly pleasing to be able to make these investments because these projects make our community stronger and improve the quality of life for the people who are fortunate enough to call it home. Investments like these are key to the success of a community, and that as a city, we are pleased to see these facility upgrades, as playgrounds, recreation facilities and museums are integral for a healthy and connected city.

The Mennonite Heritage Museum were grateful for the Government’s support, as it now allows them to complete the third and final phase of replacing all the furnaces and air conditioners in the Village Centre. This was necessary to ensure that the museum and community meeting place continues to operate at an international tourist destination standard.

Through the support of the Mennonite Heritage Village, playground equipment and the Aquatic Centre, there is a recognition of the importance of honouring our past, while developing new opportunities to live and play in Steinbach and the region.

On the topic of tourism destinations, many will remember that last year was Canada’s sesquicentennial, which marked 150 years as a nation. Fittingly, 2020 will mark Manitoba’s own 150th anniversary, and MB150 planning and preparation is already underway. Although this is still over a year away, Steinbach residents can submit their ideas for what they would like to see in 2020 to mark this special occasion, by emailing MB150@gov.mb.ca.

Given that Steinbach is the third largest city in Manitoba, and one of the fastest growing in the province, it would only be fitting that a significant celebration take place in 2020, which acknowledges our strong heritage and our present day accomplishments and marks the bright future that we as Steinbach residents can look forward to.