New peace trail ready for enjoyment starting this spring

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This article was published 21/03/2022 (1619 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

People wanting to learn more about the history of Mennonites in Manitoba, while enjoying a long walk or bike ride, will be able to do that this spring with the opening of the new southeastern Manitoba Peace Trail.

The trail, which runs 52-kilometres from the confluence of the Rat and Red rivers, just west of Niverville, to Steinbach, was approved March 16 by the EastMenn Historical Committee, which is affiliated with the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society.

The trail is the brainchild of Glen Klassen, a retired University of Manitoba professor who lives in Steinbach. For him, the trail has both historical and personal significance.

“Almost all my ancestors were on the first boat that arrived in 1874 at what is known as Mennonite Landing at the Red and Rat rivers,” he said. “They would have travelled along what is now the Peace Trail.”

From its start at Mennonite Landing, the trail takes in Mennonite historical sites such as the former site of the Niverville immigration sheds — where the immigrants found shelter after arrival; the Gruenfeld Cemetery, where some early settlers are buried; the Chortitz Church, the first Mennonite church in Manitoba; and the Dirk Willems Peace Garden at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.

Klassen envisions the trail appealing to people who are interested in Mennonite history, those who want to undertake a spiritual pilgrimage, those who want to learn more about the ecology of the area, and others who simply want to spend time outside in nature.

The trail could also be used by school, youth and tour groups, Klassen said, adding it will also contribute the local economy.

A passport-type system will be used on the trail, enabling users to chart their progress.

The trail is made up largely of country roads, although there are few trails. It also follows the Tourond Creek for about a kilometre and a half.

“We wanted to avoid busy highways,” Klassen said, adding there are camping spots picked out for those who want to do it in segments. “People can also drive it.”

Right now the committee is raising money for trail guides, maps, signage, toilets and a website, Klassen said.

In addition to a good way of walking and riding, people can use the trail “to pray for peace, something that is needed in the world today,” Klassen said.

Between 1874 and 1880 about 7,000 Mennonites from southern Ukraine came to Manitoba, most arriving by steamboats at the junction of the Rat and Red rivers. Many went on to settle on land given to them by the Canadian government east of the Red River, in what was known as the East Reserve.

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