‘Exciting options close to home’: Manitoba organizations get $1.8M boost to grow tourism

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This article was published 21/02/2025 (203 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The federal government is giving $1.8 million to several projects through a program that supports tourism development in the Prairie provinces.

Liberal MP Terry Duguid, minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced the funding Friday at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg.

Among the nine organizations receiving funds from the Tourism Growth Project are Assiniboine Park Conservancy ($250,000 to develop and implement a winter activation program) and the Churchill Chamber of Commerce ($250,000 to create an artificial intelligence-powered northern lights tracker and enhance local marketing).

MASS Investments Inc. will receive $152,875 to create a “glamping” accommodation experience to increase tourism in Pinawa and the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone is getting $150,000 to expand its Lights on the Exchange/Allumez le Quartier public art festival in Winnipeg.

Tourism is a vital part of Manitoba’s identity, Duguid said, supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic growth across the keystone province.

“Every trip, whether a weekend getaway or a long-awaited vacation, helps create jobs, sustain livelihoods and boost businesses and communities that make our province such an attractive place,” he said. “And part of that reason that we are here today is that exploring Manitoba and the rest of Canada first keeps our communities strong.”

The $350,000 tabbed for the National Indigenous Residential School Museum in Portage la Prairie has, among other things, allowed the centre to hire two new curators, according to executive director Lorraine Daniels.

“This fund has been instrumental in expanding and revitalizing the museum,” she said. “With this support, we have enhanced (our) … visitor experience, ensuring that all narratives and exhibits are curated from an Indigenous-led, -owned and -operated perspective.”

It is more than a historical site, Daniels added. “It’s a place where culture and history meet; a place where we honour the past while fostering understanding (and) reconciliation.”

Liz Crawford, co-owner of Rosé Beach House, expressed her gratitude for the $350,000 the boutique hotel in Winnipeg Beach is receiving.

In 2021, Crawford and her business partner bought a rundown inn and transformed it into a “retro chic” motel with six suites. The owners have since purchased the lots beside and behind the property, and the PrairiesCan investment will allow them to move forward with plans to build a hotel and swimming pool.

“Being an entrepreneur is tough (and) being a female entrepreneur is a bit of a bigger hill to climb,” Crawford said. “So this is life-changing.”

The other three organizations receiving funding are: Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba ($125,000 to support export readiness activities for tourism operators); Pinawa Unplugged Ltd. ($118,685 to develop multi-day active tourism offerings and improve local accommodations); and Falcon Trails Resort ($99,999 to enhance a recreational alpine and nordic ski facility in southeastern Manitoba).

“Investing in projects like these makes our province a better place to visit,” Duguid said. “Manitoba is a world-class tourism destination with unique, unmatched experiences. These projects will enhance our offering and provide exciting options close to home.”

According to Travel Manitoba, the province’s tourism industry supports more than 20,000 jobs and contributes $1.8 billion in visitor spending annually.

Administered by PrairiesCan, the Tourism Growth Program will provide $108 million over three years to support development of local tourism products and experiences.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca