The Manitoba government is providing $67,000 through the From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to support the City of Winkler in developing a parks and recreation master plan to guide recreation services for the next 20 years.

“As Winkler continues to grow, it is important that residents have a meaningful voice in shaping the parks, recreation opportunities and community spaces that will serve their families for decades to come,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “A strong parks and recreation system supports healthy, connected and inclusive communities, and this master plan will help ensure that all residents have access to the high-quality programs, facilities and activities that contribute to an excellent quality of life that makes Winkler such a special place to live.”

The City of Winkler, with a population of more than 14,000, will assess current recreation needs, identify gaps in services and develop strategies that promote health, inclusion and sustainability. Recommendations will address facilities, programs and policies, including ways to reduce barriers for groups underrepresented in recreation. The project has a total cost of $134,000.

The funding will support:

  • engaging a consultant;
  • hosting community consultations, including surveys, focus groups, stakeholder interviews and at least three public events; and
  • conducting research, data collection and trend analysis to inform the plan.

“The City of Winkler puts a high priority on planning for the future, and that’s why this recreation master plan is so important,” said Mayor Henry Siemens, City of Winkler. “We have seen how thoughtful, long-term planning helps a growing community like ours make good decisions and build facilities, programs and services that meet our residents’ needs. Our last recreation master plan was completed in 2000 and it served Winkler very well for many years, but council recognized that it was time for an update. This new plan gives our residents opportunities to shape the future of parks and recreation in Winkler. We are grateful to the Manitoba government for its support and partnership in this important work.”

The plan is expected to support wellness and community participation, while contributing to economic benefits such as tourism and job creation.

The From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program provides up to $100,000 to help non-profits, municipalities and northern affairs community councils fund community revitalization, youth programs and capital improvements that strengthen local infrastructure and support vibrant community life.