Clear Lake gets its mojo back

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This article was published 14/07/2022 (1376 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WASAGAMING — Two former corporate workers from Calgary say living in Wasagaming is proving to be a dream come true.

Bree Andal and her partner own the iconic Sugar Shop candy store and Prairie Sun Jewelry and Apparel. Both businesses are located in the historic Scraces building, which was converted from a grocery store and butcher shop 20 years ago.

Andal and her partner gave up their careers in Calgary and bought the businesses at the beginning of the pandemic. It was their dream to live and own a business in Clear Lake, and the pandemic didn’t stop them from achieving it.

“It almost brought more Manitobans out to the park, which is what we want to see, instead of people spending that money going out to Banff or Ontario.”

Even though sales remained steady throughout the pandemic, Andal said it was still a stressful time to be in business.

“People were a little bit at their breaking point with COVID. We still had an awesome year business-wise, but this year has been fabulous.”

Andal said this year is so successful because even more people are heading to the park.

“We’ve seen people coming out from different parts of Manitoba, we’ve seen (licence) plates from New York here, so we’re generating people. People are hearing about us and it’s so good to see… we’re very thankful to every person who walks through our door.”

Another notable local business in the community is the Boardwalk on Clear Lake, a place people flock to for everything from ice cream to bug spray. Owner Sandra Shwetz said the pandemic didn’t have much of a financial hit.

“The business stayed constant. We had an increase over the year before, even in the first COVID year.”

This is the 18th year the business has served sweet treats and necessities to visitors. Shwetz said the loosening of restrictions feels wonderful.

“It’s incredible not to be trying to marshal people from one place to the other with the rules changing every week.”

The business removed the plexiglass it had installed and, although staff still wear masks during peak hours, Shwetz is happy they can smile at people again.

“It wasn’t as fun (during the pandemic). I have the most fun job in the world, serving ice cream to people, (but)… their spirits weren’t as high as normal.”

The best part of this year for Shwetz has been the return of beloved regulars who stayed away over the past two years.

“We’re seeing some faces that we’d been seeing for 15 years and didn’t see for two. Now they’re back again.”

“That sense of community is much stronger this year.”

Girlie Ponce of Winnipeg visited the resort area recently with her extended family. They limited travel during COVID, and she said they’re happy to enjoy everything Wasagaming has to offer.

“It’s just so nice here. It’s so cosy and quaint, with beautiful scenery.”

Amber Hilstrom of Estevan, Sask., said it was their first time returning to Riding Mountain National Park in years.

“It feels great to be here.”

The pandemic didn’t stop Sheldon, Darlene and Porter Rybuk, residents of Winnipeg, from visiting Wasagaming every summer. Last year they even went twice.

“Last year… quite a lot of restaurants and businesses were closed, which was kind of disappointing. So this year, it’s nice to see that everything is opening up,” said Darlene Rybuck.

— Brandon Sun