The Stanley Community Pathway received a boost this week with a $10,000 donation spread over three years from Winkler’s auto dealers, supporting the ongoing development of the Stanley Community Pathway.
Collaboration
The cheque presentation was attended by representatives from Janzen’s Chevrolet, Hometown Ford, and Southland Honda.
Paul Janzen, dealer principal at Janzen’s Chevrolet, shared why he feels the project is important to the community.
"Everyone's talking about affordable housing, and part of the affordability for living is transportation. So if you can eliminate one vehicle, I'm assuming in a household for people who commute to work, that would be a great savings and cost. And I think it also brings the two communities together a lot."
Bob Derksen, dealer principal at Hometown Ford, said that the trail was important because it represents a spirit of collaboration.
"I think it's good for the communities to work together… We can do good things if we work together."
Jody Hildebrand, managing partner at Southland Honda, focused on the health and lifestyle benefits of the trail.
"The ability to get this will get people out moving… bringing two communities together, like Paul and Bob said. Probably the best thing for both communities to join them and get people out, get people active.”
Related stories:
- Morden Area and Winkler Community Foundations join forces to support community pathway
- It’s official, a paved pathway between Winkler and Morden is on its way
Pathway updates and ongoing support
John Loewen, representing the Stanley Trail Association, shared their gratitude for the donation, saying, “We would love to express our thanks for their generous donation and really appreciate the involvement they've had with the committee."
Donations are still being accepted and can be dropped off at Morden and Winkler municipal offices, and the RM of Stanley Office.
Loewen also acknowledged that while the new pathway’s progress is exciting, it is still under construction.
"This is absolutely still an active construction zone… we ask that people stay off it for now because it's not open yet."
The Stanley Community Pathway is scheduled to be completed this fall.