New paths, gardens coming to Riverbank in 2024
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/01/2024 (605 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Riverbank Discovery Centre has major projects in the works for 2024, including new gardens, paths and sculptures, Brandon City Council heard on Monday.
According to Brandon Riverbank Inc. executive director Dean Hammond, visits to the centre and the Fusion Credit Union stage were up by more than 40 per cent each, which doesn’t include attendance at big events like Canada Day celebrations.
He said the centre has made concerted efforts to improve garbage collection, cleanliness and lighting in the parking lot, but acknowledged that additional work is needed to improve weed control on the grounds and get the solar path lights in good working condition.
This summer, Hammond said the city is completing paths along the Assiniboine River to fill in trail gaps. That includes putting a path under the 18th Street Bridge.
Phase one of a new garden project along the side of the building occupied by Ducks Unlimited Canada is expected to be installed this year by the Brandon Garden Club, which will also take over managing the gardens.
Another project expected to begin this year is phase one of the Sawatzky Sculpture Gardens, showcasing the work of Manitoba sculpture artist Peter Sawatzky.
Hammond’s presenation stated the centre is requesting the following from the city in 2024: contributing $478,793 for operating funds, $250,000 in capital funding, $26,000 for Canada Day celebrations and $200,000 toward the footpath for the Sawatzky Gardens.
Though Hammond, formerly Brandon’s acting city manager, acknowledged that those requests come during a difficult budget year, he reminded council that the funding for the gardens is matched by provincial funding from the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund.
He said Heritage Canada told the centre that it was slashing its funding for Canada Day funding in half this year, so the Riverbank is requesting that Brandon pick up the tab for the fireworks display.
“The reality is we’ve been running a deficit on Canada Day for quite some time, so there needs to be a discussion on that,” Hammond said.
Heritage Canada’s reasoning, he said, is that their Canada Day funding is oversubscribed.
Manitoba Infrastructure, Hammond said, is helping pay for new signs for the centre to replace the current, dated wooden signs and will include Manitoba Star Attraction branding.
» cslark@brandonsun.com
» X: @ColinSlark