Village News

Our Village is populated with many wood structures, some of them very old. As a result, we must attend to the maintenance and care of these buildings on a yearly basis. With the financial support of generous local donors and grants from the Province of Manitoba’s Community Places Program, we are usually able to undertake several projects each year.

This year we finished painting the Steamer Shelter, installed electric door openers in the Village Centre for improved handicapped access, and painted the Lichtenau Church. Four buildings will soon be equipped with new eaves troughs.

At this time of year we also begin lining up projects for the 2015 season. One of the most urgent items on our list is the replacement of shingles on the roof of the Livery Barn Restaurant. This roof has been challenged by a number of vigorous rainfalls this summer and is now beyond repair. Replacing the shingles could cost up to $20,000. The Community Places Program requires that other partners contribute more than 50% of the value of a project of this magnitude. So we need to find donors who are willing to collectively contribute in the neighbourhood of $12,000-$15,000 toward this project, in addition to their normal annual donation towards our general operating fund. Contributions to this project can be forwarded to Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 PTH 12 North, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T8 and should be tagged for LBR Roof.

Anyone wishing to discuss other projects, such as a new dough-mixer for the Livery Barn Restaurant, should feel free to call Tashia or Barry at 204-326-9661.