Practically every week I get comments or messages from people who have just come from visiting our communities in southeastern Manitoba for either the first time or for the first time in a long time. And they always express surprise by what they have seen on their visit. Surprise at the growth. Surprise at the diversity. Surprise at how beautiful the communities and private properties are kept.
While these things are no secret or surprise to those of us who call this region our home, it turns out that for many Manitobans, they still are. Few communities in Manitoba, or for that matter Canada, have undergone as much change in recent years as those in the southeast region. Much of this change has been fuelled by immigration which has resulted in the growth of both our residential neighborhoods and our businesses. What hasn’t changed is the pride that we show in our communities; although we are becoming better and better in demonstrating that pride and there are increasing opportunities to do so.
Recently it was announced that Steinbach will host the 2016 Manitoba Summer Games and that will be another opportunity to showcase both Steinbach and the communities of our region. Not only will the growth and diversity of our communities be on display, but the true ambassadors, our residents, will be front and center acting as volunteers and organizers for the various events. Thousands of people who have never been to Steinbach or the southeast will be able, through this event, to experience what a great place to live, work and raise a family this region is.
The pride of our communities is also shown through the many community events that are held annually. And just as the communities grow, the events that they put on seem to grow as well. Already this summer my family has been able to participate in a number of events throughout the Steinbach constituency. And while some of them have been impacted by the wet weather we have been experiencing this summer, nothing can put a damper on the community enthusiasm demonstrated through these events. Many of these festivals are in the planning for months and the volunteers and organizers who make them happen are great contributors to the community.
No doubt in the months ahead I will keep getting the emails and the personal messages from people surprised about what our region has become and what it has to offer. As others come to discover the many great things that are happening in southeastern Manitoba the secret is bound to get out. And it is one secret that is worth sharing with the world.
