Willis Pavilion
receives $875,000
 The largest amount in the area is to the International Peace Garden, on whose board Piwniuk serves. The attraction received $875,000 for upgrades to the Errick F. Willis Pavilion. Piwniuk said the building, which is located on the shore of Lake Stormon on the Canadian side of the border is a popular spot for weddings and special events like the triathlon. It needs a little work to keep it in good shape.
“It is a cultural building and needs to be better taken care of. It needs a revamp.”
Right now, they are looking at new windows, new decking and perhaps a new roof. Piwniuk said it is one of the major buildings that can be used for conferences in the facility. He envisions three-day conferences held there, with opening night at the Willis, the second day at the Heritage Lodge and the third day dinner at the Interpretive Centre. All of these assets need to be kept in shape, he said, to help develop the Peace Garden into an even greater international draw.
The projected cost of the upgrades would be around $1.7 million Canadian. Piwniuk said the State of North Dakota has agreed in principle to match dollars for projects inside the shared garden, and he is hoping they will formalize support for the Willis Pavilion in their budget soon. He added they have agreed it is a worthwhile project, like the conservatory and playground structure work that is ongoing.
Piwniuk said they are hoping to start work in the fall after the wedding season, and get some outside construction going and then work inside during the winter. The hope is it will be done by spring of 2024. This is very important for the Garden’s future.
“This building is one of the busiest here,” he stated, “and we need to get it fixed and get it renovated. We want to make the International Peace Garden a major destination.”

Whitewater Lake project
The Turtle Mountain Souris Plains Heritage Association received $17,000 for their Whitewater Lake project. Having recently completed their successful annual meeting, this is more good news. Longtime committee member David M. Neufeld said the money would go toward a film they are making on the history of the lake. He said they want to highlight the “ebb and flow” of the lake, which has certainly seen its share of controversies in regards to flooding and drainage in the last decade. A lake with plenty of inflows and no real outflow, it has seen changes over time, from being dry in 1912, the 1930’s and 1980’s, to overflowing in 1976 and much of the 2010’s. Neufeld said the lake, or marsh as many of us grew up calling it, has been a major part of our lives forever.
“It has been a massive draw for a long time, with bird hunting, bird watching, a real recreation feature,” he explained. “We think it is under used. We need to live with this lake and enjoy it.”
There are many stories such as that of the steam tractor supposedly trapped inside it, or the intended development of a resort in the area. These are some of the stories TMSPHA would like to document in around 18 minutes. They are looking for people to write and film for them, hoping to use local talent as much as possible as they have for other projects. Neufeld said it would be a year and a half process, maybe starting this fall. The $17,000 will help and they also have a burgeoning filmmaking fund to help out. The project fits in their reason for existence.
“We want kids to know this is a cool place to live, to get a sense of the depth and breadth of the history here. This is a really special place to be, and we want to engage in respectful history making.”
Prairie Vision Arts Council receive $23,950
Over in Melita, the Prairie Vision Arts Council Inc. received $23,950. According to Vice-President JoAnne Juce, the board discussed different ways they could use their specific expertise to help their community of Melita and the surrounding area.
They identified the Melita Community Spirit Public Artwork Project as the best idea. They will be engaging Melita students in creating artwork to promote and enhance their town. The artwork will replace current billboard signage at the three main highway approaches to the community. Juce said they are hoping for a positive response as the project evolves over the next year.
“Although the amount is generous, there will still be much volunteer time involved,” she said.
Extra funding
Other projects in the area include the Boissevain-Morton Arts Council roof work on the Arts Hall ($23,027), Prairie Skills in Deloraine upper level renovations ($25,000), and the Hartney/Grassland Library Facility Enhancement Project ($2,578).
A late grant was to Street Fest of Boissevain, $5,000 under the Community Celebrations stream. The festival is held in the fall and includes an art fair, children’s games, a dance and coordinates with the town wide garage sale. Organizer Melissa Perkins was happy to get the news.
“We are so pleased to have been approved for this funding and it will greatly assist as we plan for Street Fest 2023 which will be held Saturday, September 16,” Perkins stated. “Planning for the next event has already begun and the next planning committee meeting will be held in April.”
The ACSC program grants up to 50% of eligible expenses to a maximum of $5 million per project.
This is not the end. Piwniuk said he was happy to see how much went to projects in Turtle Mountain, but reminded everyone there are more intakes for grants coming up. The next one is another Small Capital and Special Initiatives closing on April 17. Large Capital intake closes on April 24 and the next Community Celebrations closes on June 15.

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff