News Releases
April 28th, 2008 - FIELDS Store Comes To Morden
The Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc) has chosen Morden for the location of a FIELDS store. Preparation has begun on the building at 363 Stephen Street and the store plans to be open early June.Located primarily in Western Canada, FIELDS is a value-priced, general merchandise store with everyday consumables, family clothing, and home fashion including many popular name brands. There are currently 165 Fields stores operating and plans to open another 35 before the end of 2008.
“We look forward to introducing our exceptional value and customer service to Morden and feel that Morden will be a wonderful addition to our store portfolio. Bringing exceptional value to the smaller communities in Canada holds enormous growth potential. With our Hbc purchasing power, we look forward to serving the Morden community well by offering an excellent selection of merchandise at extreme-value prices,” said Bill Griffeth, District Manager, Fields Stores (Division of Hbc).
“This is exciting news. Fields will be a welcome addition to Morden’s retail sector. Their arrival will help satisfy consumer demand for variety and selection. This opening by Canada’s largest general merchandise retailer, demonstrates confidence in the local economy and in the future of retail in Morden,” said Cheryl Digby – Community Development Officer.
Why Morden? Since 2005 Morden is experiencing a building boom unlike any other in recent years, with growth averaging over 4% per annum. Hbc research found that the Fields discount store format was the right fit for Morden.
Employment Opportunities: The search has started for the workforce to operate the Morden Fields Store. If you are interested, visit the Morden Job Bank at www.mordenmb.com or contact:
Bill Griffeth – District Manager - Fields Stores – 1-306-873-0292
Hbc is Canada's largest diversified general merchandise retailer, operating in - department store (The Bay), mass merchandise (Zellers), specialty (Home Outfitters) and discount (Fields) formats. With over 550 stores and nearly 70,000 associates located in every province in Canada, Hbc provides Canadians with stylish, quality merchandise at great value, through retail banners focused on exceptional customer service. Hbc is a Canadian retail leader in corporate social responsibility.
April 22nd, 2008 - Campground Expansion Begins
Lake Minnewasta campground will soon have an additional 118 sites on the west side of Colert Crescent. SRD Backhoe was awarded the tender and preparation of the land began on April 15th. The new campsites will be serviced with power, water and sewer.The additional campsites are being constructed to help facilitate the immediate accommodation needs of the Ledcor Pipeline employees, but will be of lasting benefit to the campground. It is hoped that these additional campsites will help to accommodate the needs of the local campers as well as the pipeline employees and families.
With the rising fuel costs, there continues to be an increase in requests for seasonal and monthly campsites, which lessens the availability for the ‘occasional’ camper. This year we are struggling to meet those demands, but these additional sites will assist with these needs in the future.
“It’s unfortunate that the tree line had to be removed to accommodate this construction. We are working with the Parks Department to reconstruct a wind row on the west side of the construction site, as well as planting trees between the campsites. Alternatives were considered, but based on the location of the trees and layout of the camping sites it was unavoidable. We ask for your patience as we work on the development of the campsite. We’re confident the facilities will be improved and will meet the increased camping needs in the near future,” said Clare Agnew – Director of Community Services.
April 22nd, 2008 - Beautification Award Given To Morden
In July each year the Manitoba Good Roads Association (MGRA) judges travel across the province judging the roads and home grounds in order to select winners for their ten classes of awards. This years awards were presented at the MGRA Annual Banquet that was held in Brandon at the Royal Oak Inn on April 15th, 2008. Morden was presented with;The Manitoba Good Roads Association Judges Shield
Class 5 – Beautification Competition
Urban Centres – Population 2001 – 7500.
There is a good reason why Morden has received this award. It is the dedication of Harold Janzen our Parks Manager and his staff. Harold is responsible for the parks and green spaces in the Town of Morden. This award recognizes the work of his department.
Harold has been in this role for 12 years and he has the following qualifications; –
§ Manitoba Arborist License
§ International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist
§ University of Manitoba Prairie Horticulture Certification
“The Community Services Department is proud of this award. We have received the award in the past and will strive to be a contender for it in the future. Along with the natural beauty of Morden and the pride of the Parks Department staff to maintain and further develop our parks, we have a beautiful Town,” said Clare Agnew – Director of Community Services.
April 8th, 2008 - Cultural Capital of Canada Banners Go Up
Morden residents are noticing some colourful banners going up around the town. These banners recognize Morden as a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada and will be displayed for at least a year. Installation started on April 7th, 2008.
Canadian Heritage supplied these banners at no cost to the Town of Morden as part of the Cultural Capitals of Canada award. There are a total of 45 sets of banners - five at each entrance, five along Thornhill Street from 1st Street to Mountain Street, nineteen on Stephen Street, and one on North Railway Street.
Installation of the banners is a requirement of the agreement, so the cost of the hardware and installation are included in the Canadian Heritage funding. It helps to brand Morden as a community with strong arts and cultural offerings.
Funding for the year-long “Chautauqua Spirit” celebrations is split – 75 percent by Canadian Heritage and 25 percent by the Town of Morden. The Town’s contribution is partly cash, but a large portion is made up of in-kind hours provided by the fantastic volunteers who are involved.
The “Chautauqua Spirit” brochure was recently delivered to every house, apartment and farm dwelling in Morden and Winkler. It highlights the wide range of arts and cultural activities available to Southern Manitoba residents. It also encourages everyone to join the fun, either as spectators or as participants. Local businesses are already using the brochures to attract visitors to the town. Businesses also have the opportunity to help sponsor events, if they wish.
Other communities that have won this Cultural Capital award have found that it has tourism benefits for their whole region. The Town of Morden will always be able to claim to be a 2008 Cultural Capital of Canada.
“Our Arts and Culture volunteers are working hard to prepare a great celebration in 2008 and a lasting legacy for Morden in the years to come,” said Larry Danielson – “Chautauqua Spirit” Chairperson. “We hope that, in one way or another, everyone in Town will join the 2008 celebrations.”