Built in 1900, the Virden CP Station is the only modestly sized station-residence of fieldstone
construction that remains in Manitoba
community walking trail, another group
is raising money to build a spray pad and
yet another that was able to raise enough
money to construct a skate park; although
COVID-19 has delayed those plans a little.
The people of Virden show that if they
want to see something happen, they can
make it happen.”
The Dennis County Development
Partnership is a unique regional and
collaborative effort between the R.M.
of Pipestone, the R.M. of Wallace-
Woodworth and the Town of Virden
to combine resources to attract greater
investment and economic development
to the area. Established in 2017, this
group is currently working with various
consultants to identify key industries and
areas of interest for site selectors. Looking
ahead, this partnership will work towards
the development of a land database, tax
sharing agreements, and regional brand-ing
and promotion.
“Right now, we are working with a uni-versity
to conduct additional research on
our current infrastructure needs, and on
what would be required to bring larger
industries and businesses to our door-step,”
said Park. “I do feel as though we are
well-positioned for growth, more so than
anywhere else in rural southwest Manitoba
because of this innovative approach to
economic development, which is some-thing
you won’t typically find very often.”
The local economy has struggled
somewhat during the COVID-19 pan-demic,
both due to the Manitoba Public
Health-mandated closures related to the
pandemic, as well as the sudden downturn
of oil prices in March. However, Virden,
like many rural communities across
Manitoba, has shown its resilience in the
face of this crisis.
“Yes, the pandemic has been a trying
time for us, but the community has really
come together to support one another,”
said Park. “Virden was quick to adapt and I
have to commend the businesses here that
have strived to figure out how to conduct
their business differently. And now that we
know how, we will be able to get through
COVID-19 stronger than ever.”
The Town of Virden is a proud member
of CARM, seeing it as a valuable resource
for networking and information, an
opportunity to secure skilled trades more
MEMBER PROFILE
easily through the association’s member-ship
directory and a direct line to other
CARM members to send upcoming
project postings.
“Having a municipality being in touch
with a construction association is crucial,
especially if you are going to be issuing
RFPs request for proposals and plan-ning
projects in your community; you
want these people to know about you,” said
Park. “Aligning yourself with any profes-sional
association – and particularly one
like CARM – is definitely important to
keep your community on the radar for all
those members who are contractors and
tradespeople, and may bring future invest-ment
back into your community.” n
PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF VIRDEN
BUILDING RURAL MANITOBA | 23
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