Kirkfield Park is a winter wonderland

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/02/2022 (1646 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On Jan. 12, our local Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce president Kristi Meek organized a budget consultation with chamber members, one of several budget consults happening throughout the province ahead of Budget 2022.

I was impressed by the thoughtful questions presented by local business owners and was happy to take part in this virtual event.

The recent cabinet shuffle means that this gathering was one of my last budget consultations as minister of finance, a portfolio in which I’ve truly enjoyed serving. Moving forward, I am honoured to represent Manitobans as the minister for natural resources and northern development, and the minister responsible for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

This is an important role with an emphasis on economic development opportunities for residents in northern Manitoba, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Within the constituency, we’ve seen our fair share of snow but that hasn’t stopped people from getting out to enjoy the rinks, trails and hills Kirkfield Park has to offer.

Walking on Assiniboine Avenue, we were able to find three access points to the river which locals have been using for snowshoeing, cross country skiing and walking the dogs. They are located at Rouge Road at Assiniboine Avenue; Benjaminson Park (at the end of Bedson Street); and Coleridge Park.

We also noticed a couple of homemade rinks along the way — it’s good to see people embracing the outdoors and having fun with it

You don’t need to shovel out a rink on the river to go skating locally. Sturgeon Heights Community Centre has public skating available on all its rinks from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. (Outside these hours, the rinks may be in use for scheduled practices; you can check the schedule at www.sturgeonheightscc.com)

Woodhaven Community Club keeps its rink lights on until 9 p.m. daily, however if skating isn’t your think be sure to try the sledding down our very own ‘Woodhaven Hill’. I can confirm it is fun for the whole family.

Keith Bodley Arena at Kirkfield-Westwood Community Centre has indoor public skating available on Sundays from noon to 1p.m. The outdoor rinks off McBey and Sansome avenues are also available for public use, and it is best to check the website at www.kirkfieldwestwood.com for availability.

Many thanks to the volunteers who keep the rinks cleared and the lights on for us to enjoy.

My constituency office remains open at 3129 Portage Ave. You can reach me  by calling 204-889-0540 or emailing scott@scottfielding.ca

I look forward to hearing from you.