Good people emerge from Wildwood woodwork

Wildwood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/11/2024 (363 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I began writing as a community correspondent for the West edition of the Free Press Community Review in 2021, and this is my last article before moving out of the city. My favourite parts of writing about Wildwood are the inspiring people I’ve met and learning about initiatives for good.

Today I’ll share some article highlights about Wildwood, and Winnipeg in general.

• Certain Wildwood residents’ yards rise above the norm. Such properties include Brandt Klassen’s creative instalments made from scrap metal and Harvey Chippendale’s magical light displays adorning his daughter’s yard;

• Volunteers run the Churchill Parkway park run every Saturday at 9 a.m., weather permitting. Park runs operate similarly worldwide, and their focus on health and camaraderie over competition is refreshing;

• In Wildwood and other Winnipeg areas, animals such as deer, fox, and coyotes have seemingly increased. Most of the time, we manage to coexist peacefully and enjoy the proximity of these creatures even while in the city;

• Eric Pyle, a regular busker at a nearby Tim Hortons on Pembina, inspires with his positive spirit through adversity and his focus on the purity of music versus profit;

• Naturalization initiatives in Wildwood and other neighbourhoods involve planting species native to the area. Such strategies help the environment and wildlife and create an authentic sense of place;

• Brent Prusak is the new lead volunteer who upkeeps and expands the cross-country ski trails on the Wildwood Golf Course. Ross McGowan and Wildwood Golf Club volunteers assisted in extending the club’s lease with the city and now work to help run the endeavour and rebuild the clubhouse previously lost to development;

• The Outdoor Urban Recreational Spaces and Cresent Park Rescue volunteer organizations aim to preserve green space in the city. Such groups have helped ensure areas such as Cresent Park in Fort Garry stay intact for future generations

• The Winnipeg-based Manitoba Underdogs Rescue volunteers work tirelessly to assist dogs in need. I’ve never encountered such a well-run organization, with people who devote most of their free time to helping.

When I switch cities, I won’t find another Wildwood or enjoy Winnipeg’s unique cultural and scenic offerings. Luckily, I’m moving close to Thunder Bay, so visiting is on the agenda. Luckily for readers of the Community Review, my pal and neighbour Dana Mohr will take over the Wildwood beat after Christmas to continue sharing about this vibrant area.