4 Friday, March 3, 2017 The Minnedosa Tribune

V DARRYL A.HOLYK - PUBLISHER AND EDITOR

Attitude Of Gratitude In Manitobas Valley Paradise

Living in
Paradise
By CHANTELLE
PARROTT
EDO, Minnedosa & Area CDC
F irstly I would like to
thank everyone for
the warm welcome into
my new position as the
Economic Development
Officer for Minnedosa
and Area. I moved back
to Minnedosa in 2014 af-
ter leaving to pursue my
education and career, and
jumped at the opportunity
to work locally and have
a hand in shaping the fu-
ture of my hometown. Af-
ter just a few short weeks
as EDO, I have had many
folks dropping by, calling,
emailing, and stopping me
on the street to give well
wishes, warnings, and to
tell their stories, perspec-
MREC, the challenges of
getting support for our lo-
cal businesses, our popu-
lation decline in the most
recent census, the lack
of social opportunity for
young adults, and lack of
engagement of the same
in community politics and
service groups.
Since stepping into
the role of Economic De-
velopment Officer for the
Minnedosa area, I am in
a unique position where
identifying and under-
standing the advantages
and challenges facing our
community is vital to de-
veloping the strategies and
goals I will be working to
alike, attract new residents
and bring back youth who
have left to pursue their
educations, support our
local business owners and
encourage entrepreneurs,
and attract tourists and
the dollars they bring with
them.
Many people have ex-
pressed that they no longer
have the energy or give-a-
hoot to be involved, either
from bad experiences of
days gone by, the slow-
turning wheels of change
making projects feel like
they will never get done,
or fear of backlash from
the community on their
own business ventures
should someone express
the wrong opinion pub-
licly. We see a shift now,
where the change-makers
of yesteryear are stepping
down to let a new genera-
tion take the reins; sadly
the reins often go without a
fresh set of hands waiting,
and we see community
service groups and the ser-
vices they provide ride off
into the sunset. We are left
complaining about the loss
and comparing to back in
the day and not acknowl-
edging the missed oppor-
tunity to get involved and
be the change we wish to
see in the town.
With this in mind, I
choose to approach this
role with an Attitude of
Gratitude and to focus on
the strengths, opportuni-
ties, and unique traits that
our community has to of-
fer. Having an attitude of
gratitude can quickly help
a person shift their focus
from complaining about
what they dont have or
think they deserve, to rec-
ognizing and understand-
ing what they do have
which is positive and a
benefit to their lives. With
that being said, here is my
list of three things I am
grateful for in Minnedosa:
1. Th e people who
have stepped up to ensure
we are not losing more ser-
vice groups, events, and
amenities in town. There
are a group of very active
volunteers in our commu-
nity, some young parents
and business owners who,
often at the cost of more
lost sleep and less fam-
ily time are contributing in
meaningful and valuable
ways. To them I say, Thank
you!
2. Th e natural beauty
of our valley town. The
lake and river nestled in
the rolling hills and sur-
rounding fi elds, and the
central greenspaces in-
cluding the bison com-
pound and nature trails,
we are truly blessed to live
in a community with gor-
geous scenes at every turn.
Next time you take a walk
or drive, dont forget to
check out the view!
3. Th e recreational op-
portunities which are of-
fered here. Not many com-
munities can boast they
have a lake with a beach,
campground, 18-hole golf
course, nine-run ski hill,
library, bowling alley,
community gym, off leash
dog park, hiking and cross
country ski trails, indoor
and outdoor skating rinks,
curling rinks, yoga studio,
a multitude of annual festi-
vals, and very active sports
and community program-
ming. It might take getting
out and about, but there is
defi nitely no shortage of
things to do right here in
Minnedosa!
Chantelle Parrott is
the new Economic De-
velopment Officer for the
Minnedosa Area CDC. You
can fi nd her at 39 Main St
South, by calling 204-867-
3885, or by emailing edo@
minnedosa.com

Letters to the Editor

tives, and ideas. achieve. In defining the
I am fortunate to be focus of these strategies,
in a role where people are hearing different perspec-
very comfortable in ex- tives is invaluable to en-
pressing their opinions, sure that my vision is in line
however positive, nega- with the wants and needs Dear Editor, as the Harper government Riding Mountain Na- made decisions which in
tive, or colourful they may of the community. It be- had decided that Riding tional Park is unique. It is the case of Dauphin, Swan
be. The top contenders for
most popular topic of con-
versation are the state of
came evident very quickly
that there are passionate,
often dividing thoughts
I fi rst want to agree with Mountain National Park
MP Robert Sopuck on would become a three
the beauty of Riding Moun- season park. As a three
described as an island of
wilderness surrounded
by a sea of farmland. As
River, Neepawa constitu-
ency has had a negative
impact on the region. Not
Minnedosa Beach and sur- on how we accommodate tain National Park, and all season park, there would such, it is the only National the least of which was the
rounding facilities, ques- for the needs of our se- the history and nature con- be no support for winter Park in Canada that is sur- decision to make it a three
tions and concerns about niors and young people nected with the Park. In his activities in the park. This rounded by settlements season park.
last sentence, he encourag- policy was decided and and economic activity. As critic for Parks Can-
es us to go many times this in the process of being There should be some con- ada, you would expect Mr.
Letters to the Editor can be sent to year and see what the park implemented while Mr. sideration given to the Sopuck to have an inter-
editor@minnedosatribune.com or Box 930, has to off er during every Sopuck remained silent. economic impact of Parks est in how some decisions
Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 different season. Cross-country ski trails Canada decisions on the negativly impact our con-
What Mr. Sopuck ne- were only available to the surrounding area. Parks stituency, and be a vocal
Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are those glected to say, that under public through the dedi- Canada, through con- supporter of change.
of the writer and are not necesarily the views of the previous government, cated eff orts of volunteers secutive governments, has
The Tribune, its owner or staff. this would not be possible, surrounding the Park. treated all parks equal, and Don Dewar

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