Council
Morden's Town Council representatives are listed below.
Their term of office is from October 2010 to October 2014.
Mayor Ken Wiebe
Tell: 822-9791
Cell: 362-2196
Email: Click Here
A native of Morden, Ken brings to the Mayor’s office strong leadership experience and a clear vision for community development. He is a 29-year veteran of the Canadian Forces, with specific leadership training and service in locales from Goose Bay, Labrador to Victoria, British Columbia as well as Germany and Egypt.
Ken attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer—the most senior non-commissioned rank of the Canadian Forces—and held two senior appointments, Group Chief Warrant Officer (GCWO) and Wing Chief Warrant Officer (WCWO). In recognition of his quality service, he was awarded the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada in 1991.
After retirement from the Canadian Forces, Ken operated a painting and renovating business with his brother and later a painting and decorating service with his wife Linda. He also managed Mud-Eeze Carwash in Morden for five years. In addition to his military service and work commitments, Ken has contributed to church and community organizations wherever he has lived.
In Morden, he has served for seven years on the Executive Committee of the Corn & Apple Festival, including Chair of the Festival, member of the Board of Directors, and Co-Chair of the Parade Committee.
Now active with Westside Community Church, Ken understands and shares the faith values of the Morden community. He has been happily married for 36 years and has two children living in Manitoba. For more information visit www.kenwiebe.ca .
Councillor Irvin Wiebe
Tel: 822-5636
Cell: 823-0133
Email:Click Here
Irvin grew up on a farm at LaRiviere, and has lived and worked in Morden for over 40 years. He is married to Annemarie and has two married sons and three beautiful grandchildren.
Irvin is retired after having worked as a Farm Business Management Consultant in the area of farm finance, business management, taxation and succession planning. During his long professional career working with farm families and agri-businesses, he has helped them achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. In addition, he has had extensive experience in providing leadership to many organizations and Boards of Directors over the years, including health care, education, financial, professional and church boards.
He has thoroughly enjoyed the past eight years working on Town Council and looks forward to continuing to work with our citizens to make Morden an even better place to live and work in the years to come.
"I believe that the greatest strength that I bring to Council is that of exercising good judgment, using common sense and making informed business decisions that affect the life of our town and community."
Councillor Hank Hildebrand
Tel: 822-6869
Cell: 362-0903
Email: Click Here
Hank Hildebrand and his wife Florence have lived in the Town of Morden for the past 40 years and together have raised 2 daughters, Kristine and Kathryn. Both daughters are married and each have 2 beautiful children. Hank’s family farmed south of Morden and as such he has been connected to Morden for most of his 62 years.
Hank has been employed in management with the local credit union for the past 36 years. He believes the experience he has gained through his employment has empowered him to utilize the principles of good governance.
His community involvement has been with the following organizations; Morden Beach Committee, Morden/Winkler Big Brothers Association, Corn & Apple Festival (Past Chair), Morden Ambulance Service (First Responder), Bergthaler Mennonite Church (Treasurer) and serves as the Town representative on the Community Futures Heartland Board of Directors.
“I look forward to working on Town Council and will do my best to represent the citizens on all issues brought before council.”
Councillor Maurice Butler
Tel: 822-3443
Cell: 362-0649
Email: Click Here
After a 30 year career in Law Enforcement, Maurice retired and entered the political arena in 2004. He and his wife Linda have resided in Morden for the past 32 years. They have two adult children, daughter Claire and husband Robert reside in Morden with their daughter Emma. Son Jason lives in Stoughton, Saskatchewan.
Maurice has served two terms as a Councillor for the Town of Morden. He has served as the Chairman of the Community Services Committee and also the Chairman of the South Central Regional Library Board. He also served as the Council representative on the Pembina Valley Conservation District, as well as other sub committees.
His commitment to community involvement is well known. He is an active 30 year member and Past President of the Morden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. In 2004 he was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's 'Make a Difference Community Award' for volunteerism. In the same year, he also received the Queen's 'Golden Jubilee Medal' for his volunteerism. As a volunteer, he is always ready to serve the community.
"I believe the greatest strengths that I bring to Council are good judgement, common sense, honesty and fairness and making informed business decisions that affect the well being of our Town and its residents. It is my desire to serve the residents to the best of my abilities."
Councillor Brian Minaker
Tel: 822-5693
Email: Click Here
Brian Minaker lives in Morden with his wife, Ruth, and father-in-law, Bill. Brian has three grown children - Chris, Karen, and Katie - and is also a very proud grandpa of Mason and Holden, who live with their parents in Morden.
Brian recently retired as a church minister and still works part-time as a dentist (it's a long story). He also volunteers for medical missions in developing nations and teaches at Red River College in Winkler.
His passions are music, curling, gardening, fishing, and family. Pursuits include green spaces for our families; more senior and assisted living spaces; support for culture, science, tourism and varied sports activities; improved sewer and water; thriving business; ensuring Morden's success over the long term.
Councillor Heather Francis
Tel: 822-3286
Cell: 823-0725
Email: Click Here
My name is Heather Francis. I am a Morden native – I grew up here, swimming at our beach, navigating the halls of Morden Collegiate, soaking up the Corn & Apple Festival – and love everything that makes Morden so unique. Now that I am older, I am choosing to raise my own family here, believing our town to be the best place to live.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, with a certificate in gerontology. I have always held a special appreciation for the seniors in our community. As a high school student, I held a work placement at the Morden Friendship Centre, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also worked as the summer student for the Corn & Apple Festival, and later volunteered on the committee. I have worked at the University of Manitoba as Academic Orientation Coordinator, and also as an Academic Advisor. Currently, I answer to four junior bosses – my kids, Rowan, Zach, Levi and Gideon. My husband James and I enjoy building and renovating houses and spending time with our family. I am also involved as a volunteer at the Morden Alliance Church, and in the Caring & Sharing program. I organize a mom’s playgroup and a recreational women’s soccer league.
I believe that Morden is a strong and vibrant community. I will work hard to keep our town growing strong, and to represent all of the different voices of our community. For more information visit my website at http://hfrancis4councillor.blogspot.com .
Councillor Doug Frost
Tel: 822-4600
Cell: 325-3171
Email: Click Here
Doug has been a resident of Morden for the past 26 years. He has been married to his lovely wife Veronica for the last 37 years. Together they have two children. Kim and her husband James Wall along with grandchildren Cody and Brad live in Winkler and daughter Michelle lives in Winnipeg.
Doug is currently employed with Manitoba Telecom Services with whom he has been with for the last 38 years. During this time he has worked in all parts of the province, including 8 years in northern Manitoba while residing in Thompson.
Up until this year Doug was the president and manager of the local senior hockey team the Morden Redskins, which gave local youths a place to play and maintain a tie to the community. He was in this position for the past 20 years.
Doug believes the knowledge he has gained through his work and the hockey team will suit him well in dealing with the wide assortment of attitudes, opinions and conflicts that could arise.
Photos by: Steve Hiebert - Personal Expressions