After Two Decades of Band-Aids, Tache to See New Community Complex in Lorette

Free Provincial Park Entry for All of February

The Province will once again offer free park entry for the entire month of February so Manitobans and visitors can take advantage of the many winter activities available in provincial parks.

Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park in February, but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using trails. Entrance fees still apply in national parks.

Provincial parks have groomed trails for a variety of activities including cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking. Paint Lake, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park has ice-fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg that are free to use.

Manitobans are encouraged to check trail conditions before visiting parks. Trail maps and updated reports can be found at gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/recreation-and-activities/trail_conditions.

Trail users are reminded to only use trails for designated activities, keep dogs on leash and practise the principles of “Leave No Trace.”

By Dan Guetre

With very little dwelling on the past, the RM of Taché, along with their Federal and Provincial partners, have announced a plan to build a new multi-purpose facility in Lorette to house an arena, library and seniors’ resource facility.

Taché Mayor Armand Poirier, flanked by members of his council, Premier Heather Stefanson, Dawson Trail MLA Bob Lagasse, MP Ted Falk and various service groups released details of an $8 million combined external financial package for the facility.

“[This] announcement is another example of the great things we can accomplish when we work together,” said Premier Heather Stefanson. “We are pleased to see the new Taché Community Centre project move forward that will benefit the local community for years to come.”

The arena will be approximately 62,000 square feet and include spectator seating. The arena portion of the new complex will replace the existing Lorette Arena, which has exceeded its useful life expectancy. The library will be approximately 8,000 square feet.

While Taché council has always been eager to create a new facility, they required the financial assistance from both the Federal and Provincial governments for this massive undertaking.

According to MP Ted Falk, the project, which includes $4.4 million in federal funding, will help improve access to community recreation, culture and events for Lorette and the surrounding communities. The Premier and MLA Lagasse confirmed the Province would contribute more than $3.6 million.

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Park interpreters in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks offer numerous guided programs to enrich visitor experiences. Highlights for the month of February include wolf howl hikes, snowshoe treks, ski clinics, quinzhee building and ice fishing. Event details and registration information can be found at manitobaparks. com.

Teachers can also book free guided field trips to Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks, along with virtual programs to bring park interpreters into classrooms.

Additionally, annual park vehicle permits will be available for purchase beginning on March 1. To purchase a permit, visit manitobaelicensing.ca.