“The community presentation was exploding with fantastic ideas and suggestions. Immediately, we saw participants engaged and motivated to make small but impactful changes.”
It has been a long two years of the pandemic for everyone! It was no different for us. Finally, in April, we were able to return to the road and help inspire towns to creative change with what they already have.
Your Town Rising spent eight days working in 11 towns and villages across southwestern Manitoba. This work involved community walkabouts in Souris, Melita, Deloraine, Hartney, Elgin, Elkhorn, Waskada, Pierson, Kenton, Virden and Minto, Manitoba, as well as community presentations on opportunities and possibilities for creating change. We also did the keynote at the Southwest Manitoba Business Expo.
One of the highlights of any trip we do is listening to locals. After all, locals know their towns and villages best. Together, we’re able to harness what they have, what they know, and opportunities going forward.
“The can-do spirit in these small towns and villages really was something special!” Leslie said.
“I agree!” added Gregg. “It’s inspiring to see folks volunteering ‘I’ll do that!’ right in the middle of a community presentation or walkabout.”
We saw so many opportunities in the towns and village of the southwest.
“Gregg and Leslie were a breath of fresh air as they helped our community see the potential in our region to create interesting, beautiful features in our communities that were creative and affordable,” said Reeve Ruth Mealy of the Municipality of Grassland,. “We are looking forward to implementing many of their ideas to really bring our communities to life and attract visitors to our region. “
"Having Leslie and Gregg visit our communities in southwest Manitoba became more than we expected,” added Eric Forster, Regional Economic Development Officer, Crocus Country Economic Development Corporation. “It was a true eye-opener on missed opportunities, and areas that needed extra TLC. It’s amazing how complacent we can become living in our towns for as long as we do. If we don’t take notice of the communities we live in, why should visitors?
“Leslie and Gregg’s walkabouts and presentation really opened our eyes and inspired us with simple steps we could take to make each of our communities stand out, and how we can showcase the region as a whole! Our group stayed behind for another hour after the presentation further discussing the opportunities and how we could put them into action."
In Souris, Manitoba where we were based for the 11 days, we were wowed by the friendliness and welcoming vibe throughout the town.
"The community presentation was exploding with fantastic ideas and suggestions,” said Echo Finlay, Economic Development Officer, Souris-Glenwood Community Development Corporation. “Immediately, we saw participants engaged and motivated to make small but impactful changes. Within a week of the presentation, some of our businesses are showing off new paint, sail signs, vibrant planters and colorful, attractive benches - all a direct result from this experience. The sky's the limit for us! #SourisMB."
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To learn more about bring Your Town Rising to your region or town, please contact us