This article appeared in the Jan. 19 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
Manitoba’s Interlake is really quite an amazing place. Consider the beauty of its forests and fields, its big lakes, and the vast expanse of an ever-changing sky. Imagine cross-country skiing on a moonlit night, or happening upon a recreation facility in the middle of a forest. Or, imagine coming indoors to hear the whistle of a referee, the splash of water as someone hits the pool, the rumble of a bowling ball as it travels down the lane, or a fiddler squeezing out tunes at an old-time dance.
The Interlake has got it all. But with almost 16,000 sq. kilometres comprising the region, one has to know where to look. There can be a fair distance to travel in searching for the right activity, but there are people who are willing to make the journey, if they know that what they want is out there. That’s true of the people in the region, and it’s true of potential tourists as well.
Communication and coordination between towns and rural municipalities is very important if the goal is to facilitate fitness and health and a good quality of life. With 60 per cent of the population over the age of 19, the importance of providing for adult fitness in the area is indisputable, not only because the physical and mental health of the population will benefit, but good fitness and recreational facilities are a boon to tourism and community development. If that’s not enough to get you on your feet, well, then think of the children. Adults here are the role models for the other 40 per cent of the population. Anything we do, or don’t do, affects our young people as well. We are the mirrors of what they will become, and what we build, they will inherit. Any way one looks at it, getting active is good.
In Mar. 2006, the Lakeshore Recreation Commission (LRC) in the West Interlake conducted a needs assessment survey for six rural municipalities (Armstrong, Coldwell, Eriksdale, Fisher, Grahamdale, and Siglunes). From that data, it developed an action plan for 2006/07. Gimli has its own needs assessment survey in the works, the results which are expected for the end of Jan. The Arborg-Bifrost Recreation Commission has a comprehensive working plan for its own area, but the word hasn’t spread much beyond its boundaries. Riverton is struggling with providing programming for adults. Richelle Triska, Recreation Director for Riverton has ideas, but is having a hard time getting instructors for fitness classes, even with incentives.
It is a big challenge for small communities to offer classes and facilities, and it is obvious that neighbours will have to compare notes and share some of their resources. Rather than make plans for narrow geographical boundaries, a more encompassing view needs to be taken that looks at the region as a whole, and then at the province as a whole. In this day and age, all levels of government need to play a part.
So far, Lakeshore’s initiative is the most comprehensive, and should serve as a model for its neighbours. The LRC hired a consulting company which put together a sound data-gathering mechanism as well as using a large representative sample from each area. The survey looked at physical and recreational activities, and arts and cultural activities, across all age groups and actually asked people what they want for their areas. They are basing new programs on the survey results, but they are still early in the process, and it will take time and effort before it all congeals.
Another piece of the puzzle is people’s inclination to take part in activities when they are presented. What is the reason for low attendance at some fitness and recreational activities? Is it lack of interest in the activity itself? Or is it offered by someone else? Is the activity too challenging, or not challenging enough? Is it too expensive to join? Do like-minded people join? Is transportation an issue? Can parents find baby sitters? Are people too sedentary? Or do people even know the range of activities that are out there for them? The answers need to be found if the problem is to be solved.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could join together to knock on doors, and let each other know what is going on in our respective communities? The information could be compiled, distributed, and regularly updated. Then everyone could see, at a glance, the wealth of opportunities our region provides. No longer will a person from Fraserwood not know that adult volleyball is on in Arborg, and people from Winnipeg Beach could scoot over to Inwood for an afternoon of old-time dance.
Here is a small sampling of some of the activities geared toward the adults across much of the Interlake:
Shall we begin with dance?
The Hawaiian Dance Night in Arborg has finished, but hitch a ride to Moosehorn for Hip Hop lessons (only $60) or to Oak Point and Fisher Branch, for an Old Time Dance lesson (Ph. 739-2101). Then make your way to Inwood to join the seniors who dance in style to a real live band each month (Ph. 278-3265).
Once night falls on Inwood, and the music has wound down, take a walk, a little north of town, to the golf course and, if it’s winter time and the moon is full, you may like to join Shelley (Ph. 278-3637) and her friends for moonlight skiing, which is sure to happen on Feb. 2. Don’t worry if you don’t have skis, they’ll have extra.
Then, maybe after a little rest, you could stroll down to Komarno, where walking is in vogue. Someone there might even come along with you to the indoor walking track at Winnipeg Beach, it’s only $7 per month to join, and goes until the end of March.
Gimli is not too far away now, and it is bustling with many new things to try. How about yoga on Wed. (also available in Ashern), or aerobics, on T./ Th.? (Call the Rec. Centre for many more things to try, including weight lifting at their gym).
Gimli has a bowling centre (as does St. Laurent). Have a little fun “Bowling for Dollars” on Jan. 27. It’s only $20 to enter, and gives you 3 games, some shoes, lunch, (and a portion goes to charity). You might win the tournament!
Tai Chi is a favourite. There is a great class at the New Horizons 55 Plus Centre in Gimli (and another one in Ashern), but don’t worry if you are younger–you won’t be turned away (Ph. 642-8356). This goes for most of the other activities at the centre, many of which only cost a dollar if you’re a member, and $2 if you’re not.
Or make a splash with Aquacise (Sun. through Thur.) at the Camp Arnes pool. You don’t need to know how to swim, but, if you’d like to learn, then sign up for swimming lessons (offered in March through YOU Inc., and in April through the Arborg-Bifrost Rec. Commission).
There is so much more to do, such as ice sports, which might be more your style. Nearly every town has a curling rink. Arborg and Riverton are giving lessons for those who don’t know the game. Some rinks hold adult hockey games for, both, men and women, and skating is always popular in the winter, and can be done to music.
But if that sounds too icy for you, there’s indoor sports in heated rooms as well. Check out volley ball or badminton in your area. Karate is offered in Arborg, and Archery in St. Laurent (and will be in Lundar and Grahamdale too).
A little digging will yield an abundant trove of opportunities in your region. The Interlake is a very busy place, even in the winter. You might be very surprised with the volume of activities you’ll find once you start to check it out.
Here are a few resources which might help you in your search:
Arborg-Bifrost Parks & Recreation Commission: 376-5186 <www.townofarborg.com>
Gimli Recreation Authority 642-6670
Gimli New Horizon 55 Plus Centre 642-7909
Lakeshore Recreation Commission 739-2101
Riverton Recreation Office 378-5644
Town and municipal offices are also a good source of contact information.
