Town & Country

F ay McEachern is a broker at Keystone Realty, one of the new businesses that have recently opened in Pelican Lake, where she's lived since 1998. "The boom here started in 2003, when a new subdivision was created in Pelican Lake. Leased land became titled land," McEachern says. "That was a draw as well, because if it's titled land, people are more apt to build something substantial on it. It's easier to get a loan from a bank if you want to build something on titled land (as opposed to leasing)." McEachern and her husband, Butch, own Pelican Lake Riviera, a diversified company with interests in hospitality, land development, real estate services, heavy construction and aggregate materials. They sell waterfront lots, lake homes and cabins. Cabin rentals are available, as well. They also provide boat storage services and rent landscape and dock supplies. "This is a wonderful place to live. I feel very fortunate that I can get up in the morning and see the lake," McEachern says. "It's a great view." In addition to the McEacherns' businesses, there is a new hair stylist, three different septic tank services and new buses to transport residents to local events or to nearby attractions such as Sand Hills Casino. "The existing businesses are doing better too," she says. "This is a great area to live in, and over the last 10 years, more people are choosing to live at the lake year-round." The lake that provides the community with much of its extraordinary beauty is undergoing a revitalization of its own. Two committees — the Healthy Lake Committee and the Pelican Lake Enhancement Committee — are dedicated to improving the health of the lake. "The lake is fed mainly through local runoff, so there may be things that enter the lake that way that can harm it," McEachern says. "It's been an ongoing problem for a while." However, Manitoba Conservation has stocked the lake with fish, and the community hopes to add a second aeration system this year. An existing aeration system adds fresh oxygen to the water at a cost of $3,500 per year. "When the lake is healthier and the water quality improves, it's better for recreation and for economic development," McEachern says. Another factor driving growth is the development of several new RV parks, and the expansion of some of the existing ones. The light traffic also works in the community's favour. "The traffic on the way here is nothing like you'd experience if you were going east or north," McEachern says. "And we have beautiful sunsets." There's also a strong sense of community, and local events keep everyone c o n n e c t e d . For example, a weekly meat draw takes place on Saturdays, and on Fridays, residents look forward to an exciting game of Chase the Ace, which raises money for various charities. "It costs $1 for a ticket, and everyone who pays gets a card. If you get the ace of spades you win half the pot. The charity wins the other half," McEachern says. "We had one game where the pot grew week after week. We were down to six cards before someone drew the ace." Those who have chosen to move to Pelican Lake permanently have found that it doesn't take long for a newcomer to feel like a local. "People are fantastic around here — very friendly. The regulars will welcome you and remember your name," McEachern says. "It's a very friendly community." ❙ 2 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, SATuRDAY APRIL 25, 2015 P E L I C A N L A K E " Fay McEachern loves living and working at the lake. Her latest business venture is Keystone Realty. Photos courtesy of Fay McEachern RVHitches GNBall Flip&Store You'reAlwaysaLeaderPullingATrailer! 204.523.8712 Killarney creativekitchensmb.ca • CustomCabinetry • DesignConsultants • Professional Installation • Quartz,Granite, LaminateCountertops • Sinks&Faucets Visitour 2,500sq.ft. Showroom www.treherne.ca VISIT TREHERNE! HomeoftheRunfor theHillsMarathon heldannuallyin September. SituatedinthescenicTigerHills,Treherne offersawidevarietyofshops,activitiesand touristattractionsincluding: *AquaticCentrewithnewaquaclimbwall *FullserviceCampground *NineholeGolfCourse *WalkingTrails*Museum *GlassBottleBuildings Tires Autorepair Integrity. YourlocalIntegraTiredealeris dedicatedtoprovidingoutstanding service.Experienceittoday. Brandon 204-729-8432 Minnedosa 204-867-3145 Souris 204-483-2628 Ste. Rose Du Lac 204-447-3336 The Pas 204-623-4411 Virden 204-748-2894 Commercial,AG,passengertires. "Themorethatyouread, themorethingsyouwill know.Themorethatyou learn,themoreplaces youwillgo." -Dr.Seuss 204-582-1804 a shore thing Newcomers flock to Pelican Lake By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press The lake that provides the community with much of its extraordinary beauty is undergoing a revitalization of its own. Two committees — the Healthy Lake Committee and the Pelican Lake Enhancement Committee — are dedicated to improving the health of the lake . It's always exciting to see a revitalization taking place in your hometown. It's even more exciting to be a part of it.

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