Powerview-Pine Falls has a story to tell

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/08/2018 (2894 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We are dismayed by the negative-toned, three-page article “A Town in Crisis/Living on the Edge” (July 21), which received front-page coverage in the Winnipeg Free Press.

Let’s be clear: the closure and ensuing demolition of the Tembec paper mill affected the community tremendously and resulted in many challenges. But let’s also be clear that Powerview-Pine Falls has not declined into a drug-fuelled community full of despair and deterioration.

Ryan Thorpe’s article portrayed a dismal image of poverty, frenzied crime and drug-induced zombies walking the streets. We want to set the record straight and provide a polar-opposite image.

We are proud of our residents, community and the achievements attained during our “transition years.” We have maintained a stable population base and have attracted young families and new immigrants to our community throughout our evolution from an industrial past toward a technology-based future.

Our community survived the loss of its only industry, but still moved forward to continually improve our quality of life.

On a municipal level, major achievements include the restoration of the original Locomotive #30, which was the last steam engine operating daily in Western Canada; improved potable water standards from the installation of systems that exceed provincial regulations and will ensure safe drinking water for many years to come; a major renovation to our arena, which included a heat-recovery ice plant and heating distribution system, a new curling rink floor, hockey dasher boards, new sound and lighting systems; and the installation of a free-use electric vehicle charging station. Currently, we are upgrading our lift station and force main capacity to accommodate future growth and development.

On a development level, new business ventures await, and we are excited about the endless possibilities on the “old mill site,” as several Avida Developments-related companies recently purchased the 1,200-acre former Tembec paper mill lands, including the 165-acre former paper mill site along the Winnipeg River and over 90 acres of additional industrial lands fronting on Highway 11.

Additionally, the recent purchase of the Winnipeg River Learning Centre by Canadian-owned company Mandata Solutions Ltd., is committed to the continued support of educational and community activities, as well as introducing new, enhanced training and technology services.

An upward growth of entrepreneurs has resulted in several new local businesses, including a pizza/deli shop, two hair salons, a laundromat, a walk-in clinic/pharmacy and a food-cart vendor.

Expansion also includes a major renovation to our Pine Falls Health Complex with the addition of the Giigewigamig Traditional Healing Centre, which reflects the identity and healing traditions of four Indigenous communities, as well as the installation of a Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society helipad.

On a community-driven level, our achievements include the restoration of our Village Green Park, which includes a $100,000 upgrade to the playground and the addition of outdoor exercise equipment; the expansion of our Handivan Services to provide both individual and smaller-scale transportation services more cost-effectively; the organization of a community safety focus group called T-BOTS (Taking Back Our Town), which is currently developing community safety initiatives that include street patrolling; and the creation of two Facebook sites — Pine Falls Positive and Take Pride Powerview-Pine Falls — the latter being a direct result of Thorpe’s negative article.

Still not convinced?

Powerview-Pine Falls prides itself as a recreational haven, as our natural environment provides an abundance of outdoor adventures such as a beautiful nine-hole golf course; groomed cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails (did we mention our town was voted the Manitoba winner of the 2018 Sledtown Contest?); 36 years of an annual festival held every Labour Day long weekend, with the addition of exciting new events — most recently, the Chainsaw Carving Challenge; an outdoor swimming pool; and an indoor arena that houses an ice rink and curling rink in the same facility, but with the added feature of a lounge that overlooks both venues.

Last but not least, Powerview-Pine Falls, which is known as for as the Walleye Capital of Manitoba, is the home to many annual fishing derbies.

We have only touched the surface regarding the many “positives” of our fine community, and with resilience, dedication and sheer determination, Powerview-Pine Falls is not stopping there.

Sharon Desiatnyk is the chief administrative officer of Powerview-Pine Falls. She writes on behalf of the mayor and council.