Town & Country

C M Y K WINNIPEg FREE PRESS, SATURDAY APRIL 26, 2014 3 S O U R I S 2014ARCTICCAT4004X4 $4999.00 PLUSPDI&FREIGHT universesat@sasktel.net www.universesatellite.com 306.435.8018or306.645.2669 Box462,Rocanville,SK UNIVERSESATELLITESALESLTD. ARCTICCAT4004X LIMITED QUANTITIES ARCTICCATSHAREOURPASSION 61Sask.Ave.East 204-239-0610 HOURS:MON-FRI8AM-5PM GRiNDSToNE bakery bakery SOUPS,SALADS,SANDWICHES DINE IN OR TAKE OUT VARIETYOFBREADS&DESSERTS FROZEN TAKE-OUT ITEMS: PEROGIES, CHICKEN/TURKEY POT PIES, FRUIT PIES, SOUPS LOTS forSALE ParklanePropertiesinGladstone,Mb (204)857-1822 "WhereYourGreenSpaceBecomesYourHome" HIGHWAY 1A WEST PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MB R1N 3B7 | 204-857-3912 westwardford@mts.net Ratessubjecttochange. S S C G P R R I A F T • • P S RR C I G A S F T • • A P R R $5,000 www.caisse.biz CONTEST COMPARETOWIN UP TO 3.00 % 60������ 2.40 % 24������ SouriS BounceS BAck Swinging bridge is just one step in economic recovery By David Square For the Free Press photos courtesy of Souris & Glenwood Community Development Corp. Many people thought Souris was on the mat after the flood of 2011 took out the town's iconic swinging bridge. But the area has recovered from a chokehold on the local economy. S ouris didn't die in 2011, and we have proven that by re-erecting the swinging bridge," says former professional wrestler Vern May. Known as Vance Nevada in the ring, May returned to his hometown last fall after 20 years on the wrestling circuit to take up the position of economic development officer for Souris and the RM of glenwood. "I discovered my neck was broken in two places," May says. "The doctor told me I had two choices — continue to fight and eventually lose the ability to walk, or I could retire." With over 1,500 bouts under his belt, May chose the latter, even though it was difficult to leave a sport he loves. But he's still putting his experience to use. "The insights I learned about how to promote events during my wrestling days will serve me well in my new position," he says. Since taking up his new role, May has helped to compile a 28-page magazine with a pop-up map that highlights businesses and tourist attractions in the town and RM. That includes the new bridge. The original swinging bridge was built in 1904 by a well-to-do farmer. After he donated the bridge to Souris in 1907, it became a huge attraction, with thousands of tourists treading its springy planks over the decades. The new bridge was built in 2013 for $4.5 million, and it's guaranteed to withstand a 300- year flood level. "If this bridge goes down, the whole province will go with it," laughs May. The area economy has also been bolstered by an influx of workers, mainly from the Philippines, who have found jobs with Maple Leaf Foods, smaller hog processors and in hospitals. The town is seeking more employees to staff medical centres and retail stores. And there's talk of developing new subdivisions and adding a hotel to accommodate an expected incursion of men and women working for Tundra Oil and gas and other companies. "The oil patch is moving toward us. Several exploratory wells have recently been drilled in our area and the results seem promising," May says. There's more positive business news. A 55-plus living accommodation built by a local contractor is expected to be completed in the near future, and a crematorium development has passed third reading in council. To further stimulate the economy, Souris is hosting a CWE Wrestling event on May 7, when CWE brings its Last Action Hero tour to the Souris and glenwood Memorial Complex, with a guest appearance by Kassius Ohno. And there are two major concerts coming up. Juno Award-winning outfit Doc Walker plays at the Memorial Complex on May 9, and Aaron Pritchett will be the musical act on June 27, for what has been called the Swinging Bridge Weekend. May says other initiatives include working with three local museums to introduce interactive elements that are more youth-oriented. He also wants to add new twists to annual fairs and festivals, such as a game of zombies vs. humans, multicultural food tasting and other activities that appeal to multiple generations. Souris has a 20-acre camping area and a state- of-the-art water park and swimming pool that help draw tourists to the town. It has an 18-hole golf course with tree-lined fairways and pristine greens, as well as an excellent pickerel and pike fishery on the Souris River. There's also a world- class bird sanctuary with birds from the Prairies and other parts of the world — be careful not to step on the peacocks that roam freely throughout the town, acting as ambassadors during the warm months. May is working to create more awareness of the RM's attractions and advantages — including its proximity to Brandon just 25 minutes down the road. He wants to build on its image as a great place to live, work, shop and relax. "So far, I think we're on the right track," he says. "Souris is no longer on the mat." ❙ " Turtle Mountain School Division www.tmsd.mb.ca Turtle Mountain School Division www.tmsd.mb.ca "The students are the focus of all our efforts. The Division strives to provide an education that prepares individuals for a meaningful life in a changing world. We promote a learning environment that begins in the home, continues in the school, and is supported by the community."

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