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Your Gateway, Our Welcoming Community
4
It is with great pleasure that Council presents the
2025-2030 Town of Winnipeg Beach Community
Strategic Plan! This plan represents a roadmap for
Council and staff as we make decisions over the next
five years and beyond, decisions that reflect our
ambitious plans for a thriving, connected community.
Our plan is mindful of where we have been, our unique
history, and provides a vision for what our town can
be in the future. We are a town where generations of
families and visitors come and enjoy a beautiful,
welcoming community we are proud to call home.
Now is the time for our residents, seasonal and
permanent, to be optimistic and inspired by our
potential. With all those who participated in the
creation of this plan, including your municipal
Council and staff, we found a shared commitment
to positive change.
Our strategic plan represents a collective vision for
the future of Winnipeg Beach, providing all our
permanent and seasonal residents, businesses,
community organizations, and various stakeholders
with opportunities to engage and share their ideas
and priorities. 174 people participated in the strategic
planning process, through the on-line survey, paper
copies of surveys in our office, or participation in one
of the two virtual focus groups. From the information
shared, Council and staff learned about the issues
that matter most to you, our community members.
We will not let the challenges of today define us.
We will chart a path forward with a shared vision for
the town we are all proud to call home. In the years
to come we will deliver the municipal services and
programs people need and we will grow our local
economy, promoting our unique resort town, tourist
destination. The choices we make today will shape
our future. As the costs to operate a municipality,
provide services and programs, and investments in
infrastructure improvements continue to escalate,
we remain mindful of your hard-earned tax dollars.
We are dedicated to providing the best possible
municipal services and good governance while
ensuring an affordable quality of life for our
residents and business community.
On behalf of Council and staff, we want to thank
everyone who contributed and got involved in helping
shape the future of Winnipeg Beach. This plan is the
first step, identifying our shared priorities and goals.
The real work begins today as we partner with you to
turn this plan and vision into a reality.
Together we can create a bright future for the Town of
Winnipeg Beach, maintaining our small-town values
and seizing opportunities to make our community
even better! We hope that you stay engaged and work
with us as we realize this exciting future together.
It is our great privilege to serve the community of
Winnipeg Beach. We will be transparent and
accountable to you, our community members,
sharing updates on the progress of this plan as we
work together to transform this vision into reality.
--
---
Winnipeg Beach, Municipal Office
On behalf of the Winnipeg Beach staff, we are so
proud to share this comprehensive strategic planning
document with our community. Your ideas and
priorities brought this plan to life. Strategic planning is
an important process, helping us establish a preferred
direction and decision-making framework for Council,
Administration, and staff. We want to assure you that
this is not a plan that sits on a shelf collecting dust but
represents a guiding document to be referenced in our
budgeting, operations and daily tasks to ensure
progress is made in accomplishing our objectives.
The priorities identified by the community and Council
ensure we make the best use of limited financial and
staff resources to achieve our vision. Our team fully
supports the goals identified in this planning process.
We are grateful to our Council for creating an inclusive
planning process, requesting our thoughts and ideas
in the development of the plan. When staff are part of
the process in this way, we have a full understanding of
the goals and expectations.
-9!,,,, our next step as Administration and staff is to develop
an Operating Plan to ensure the goals and projects
prioritized in this plan are successfully implemented
and monitored. I am proud to say I work with a
dedicated team in the Town of Winnipeg Beach who
will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer,
Town of Winnipeg Beach,
Tara Antichow
s
"Without a
strategy, the
organization
is like a
ship without
a rudder."
JOEL ROSS
Strategic Planning Process
This plan was developed with insight from residents,
business owners, members of the Council,
Administration and municipal staff, all stakeholders
interested in sharing their ideas and expertise for the
best interests of the Town of Winnipeg Beach.
In 2024, the municipality began the strategic planning
process as an important step to better meet the needs
of our community members and prepare for our future.
Over 170 people participated in the community
engagement process. Ideas and input from our
stakeholders were truly inspiring and helpful for
Council and staff. This plan incorporates all
suggestions and feedback heard from the community,
members of Council and municipal staff.
HOW?
-
15 interviews with Councillors, Administration
& Staff
- Organization of qualitative feedback and
secondary information
- On-line survey with 150 residents, business
owners, & stakeholders
- Two virtual focus groups with community
members
- Facilitated Council and staff session to report
on community input & census data (8)
- Analysis of themes and key priorities for
the future
OUALITATIVE
SWOT
OUANTITATIVE
COMMUNITY
MEETINGS
e
ANALYSIS &
REPORTING
WHY?
- Review & create mission & vision statements
- Review past achievements
- Identify new priorities
- Itemize & organize internal & external factors
impacting the community
- Receive public feedback on vision for the
future, themes & priorities
- Validate priorities according to residents
- Organize & present priorities and goals
in context
8
Strategic Planning Process
In planning for the future of Winnipeg Beach,
we must understand our town's current strategic
position, where we are today, what's working,
and areas for improvement. The success of our
strategic plan is dependent on taking advantage
of our strengths, minimizing risks, and seizing
opportunities that help us achieve our shared
community vision.
Strong Foundations & Strengths
- Beautiful location on Lake Winnipeg
- Combination of town & tourist destination
- Unique history, with generations of
seasonal residents
- Easy access to Provincial parks & green space
- Winnipeg Beach bandstand, Boardwalk Days
& events
- Recreation centre & curling club
- Sense of community belonging
- Engaged volunteers
- Access to safe water
- Proximity to City of Selkirk & City of Winnipeg
More Work to Do
- Additional retail & commercial growth
- Appearance of businesses & buildings downtown
- Vacant buildings
- Wastewater/lagoon upgrades
- Infrastructure improvements to roads, sidewalks,
drainage
- Partnership opportunities with Province, private
partners
- Aging in place options to be explored
- By-law enforcement
- Natural resource protection
- Community Leadership
Challenging Trends
- Limited Tax Base
- Inflation & Cost of Living
- Escalating Costs of Infrastructure Planning & Renewal
- Downloading From Other Levels of Government
- Provincial Land Use Planning Limitations
- Staff Retention & Succession Planning
What Kind of Community Do We Envision?
Thriving Business Sector
A thriving business sector with well-maintained
storefronts, offering a variety of retail shops and
restaurants serving both residents and a bustling tourist
population, creating a vibrant community and a dynamic
tourist destination.
Well-Maintained Municipal Roads &
Infrastructure
Continuous improvements to roads with gravel and
grading, ditch work that promotes drainage, and
long-term planning for and maintenance of water and
wastewater infrastructure.
Safe Community
A community that addresses all aspects of safety from low
crime, to support of our local volunteer fire department, to
emergency preparedness, flood protection, land drainage,
and safe piped water for our residents.
Inspiring Local Leadership
An inspiring, transparent, and accountable leadership
team that is engaged with the community and committed
to forward-thinking planning for a thriving future.
Protecting the Rich History of our
Lake Town
A town that is dedicated to preserving the unique
history of its cherished tourist destination, a place
where generations of families and new visitors have
gathered to create lasting memories and enjoy the
beautiful lake, green spaces, and charming community.
Tourist Destination
A premier tourist destination that emphasizes
thoughtfully planned experiences, attracting visitors
who not only support local businesses, but also help
preserve the area's natural beauty and contribute to
building a vibrant, sustainable community for the future.
10
CORE MUNICIPAL FUNCTIONS
The Manitoba Municipal Act outlines various essential and supplementary services that fall under
municipal jurisdiction. The strategies and objectives we pursue as a municipality must align within our
established mandate. Our core municipal functions include:
OVIDED SY
PROV
Role of Council
The Town of Winnipeg Beach Council is tasked
with providing leadership and governance, making
decisions for the municipality regarding services,
policies, and programs. As mandated by The Manitoba
Municipal Act, Council is obligated to make decisions
that benefit the municipality as a whole.
Each Council member must prioritize the needs of the
entire municipality, rather than focusing solely on the
ward or area they represent.
Regarding strategic planning, Council's
responsibilities include:
- Ensuring resources are provided to achieve
Council's strategic goals;
Role of Municipal Administration
The Administration, led by the CAO and Management,
is responsible for advising and executing the
strategic decisions and policies set by Council.
The Town of Winnipeg Beach Administration and
staff manage day-to-day operations within the
municipality, overseeing service delivery, engaging
with the public, and preparing policy
recommendations for Council's consideration.
In terms of the strategic plan, Administration's
role includes:
- Implementing and monitoring the strategic
decisions of Council;
- Developing and evaluating the policies and
programs for the Town of Winnipeg Beach that
align with the long-term, strategic objectives of
the municipality;
- Monitoring and evaluating the success of strategic
objectives, approving adjustments as necessary;
- Reviewing the strategic plan throughout their term
in office to ensure the plan is still responding well
to internal and external pressures on the
municipality and capturing opportunities; and,
- Communicating updates to the community
regarding the status of strategic goals and
celebrating success.
- Ensuring current services and programs align with
the strategic plan;
- Developing policies and procedures that support
the successful implementation of the strategic
plan, such as the annual budget proposal;
- Managing and leading all employees to accomplish
strategic goals;
- Providing advice and support to Council based on
their expertise and operational experience;
- Ensuring the efficient use of municipal funds
and resources.
11
DISCOVERING THE TOWN
OF WINNIPEG BEACH
Winnipeg Beach is situated roughly 35 kilometers
north of Selkirk and about 50 kilometers north of
Winnipeg, offering a convenient escape for both city
residents and visitors. The town is also an ideal and
affordable living option for commuters.
The Town of Winnipeg Beach is home to more than
1,400 permanent residents living in 757 homes. In the
summer months, the population of this cottage
community can increase to approximately 4,000 to
5,000 people. This significant increase is due to
seasonal cottages, tourists, and part-time residents
who flock to the area to enjoy its beaches, green
space and recreation opportunities.
For developers and businesses looking to invest in the
Town of Winnipeg Beach, our people, our location and
affordable taxes make us an ideal destination!
Winnipeg Beach Community Profile
LAND AREA:
3.91 sq kms
DISTANCE TO
NEAREST AIRPORT:
K-8 SCHOOL:
Winnipeg
Beach School
20 kms
Gimli Airport
POPULATION
DENSITY:
368/km
AVG AFTER
TAX INCOME:
POPULATION:
Avg people per household: 2
Yr round occupied homes: 757
AVG AGE OF
POPULATION:
52.2 yrs
Over the Age of 65: 34.5%
Largest Age Group, 15-65: 56.1%
COMMUNITY
EVENTS:
12-15/yr
RECREATION
AREAS:
5
$52,800
1,439
Women: 52%
Men: 48%
AVG HOUSE
VALUE:
Community Center,
Curling Club, Marina, Provincial
Campground, Provincial Park
$300,000
- .
-·.
~
- -
- -·- . .
.
.
Vision
The Town of Winnipeg Beach will be a healthy, progressive
community that supports a flourishing tourism sector,
business and development opportunities, quality of life,
and a transparent governance model.
Mission
Our mission for the Town of Winnipeg Beach is to provide
effective governance, deliver essential municipal services, and
foster a safe, vibrant, and thriving community for all residents,
businesses, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a
high quality of life through responsible development, fiscal
responsibility, and a focus on long-term community well-being.
Core Values
These guiding principles define what we stand for as a community,
Council, and Administration. They reflect our beliefs, behaviors, and
actions and serve as the anchor for our decision-making.
History and Legacy
Honoring and preserving the town's unique history and legacy, while
sharing it with residents and visitors.
Community Connection
Fostering a strong, inclusive community where residents,
businesses, and visitors collaborate and thrive together.
Natural Resource Protection
Protecting the natural beauty of the lake and surrounding
landscape through sustainable practices.
Hospitality and Welcoming Spirit
Creating an inviting, friendly atmosphere for tourists and residents
alike, with a focus on exceptional service and experiences.
Innovation and Growth
Embracing thoughtful development that respects the town's
character while enhancing its appeal as a vibrant destination.
Well-being and Safety
Ensuring a safe, healthy, and enjoyable environment for both
residents and visitors, promoting quality of life for all.
Community Engagement
The municipality conducted an on-line survey and (2) virtual focus groups in December 2024, and January
2025, to gather information on key priorities and issues from the community perspective.
SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR ATTRIBUTES USED TO DESCRIBE WINNIPEG BEACH
COJTAGE COUNTRY
.. , . -· ...
e
174
PARTICIPANTS
()
60%
HAVE LIVED IN
WINNIPEG BEACH FOR
MORE THAN 16 YEARS
KEY THEMES & INSIGHTS
52%
PERMANENT
TOWN RESIDENTS
41%
5%
1%
SEASONAL
COMMUNITY MEMBERS &
VISITORS
TOWN RESIDENTS
BUSINESS OWNERS
TO THE AREA
94%-99% of participants said the defining characteristics of Winnipeg Beach included parks and green space in
the area, cottage country, volunteerism, sense of community belonging, proximity to the beach, and unique history
97% of respondents consider tourism essential,
very important, and somewhat important for the
Town of Winnipeg Beach
93% of participants would like to see more
community beautification and litter cleanup
90% of respondents want to see the
appearance of businesses in town improved
and vacancies addressed
86% of respondents want to ensure natural
resources in the area are protected
81% of survey respondents would like to
see more housing for seniors
74% of those surveyed would like to see
regional partnerships
95% of participants would like to see additional
retail in Winnipeg Beach
93% of those surveyed would like to see
improvement in the area of crime and safety
90% of participants would like to see
commercial business growth
84% of participants would like to see
road improvements
73% of respondents support more
active transportation
71% of respondents would like to see
more communication from Council
1S
16
A COMMUNITY VISION
FOR SUCCESS
Through the public consultation process, along
with input from Council and staff, the municipality
identified seven major strategic areas of
responsibility. These areas, known as strategic
pillars, were developed through a comprehensive
understanding of Winnipeg Beach's purpose,
vision, stakeholder needs, and the competitive
landscape in which we operate. These pillars form
the foundation of our plan, outlining seven key areas
our municipality must focus on to ensure success
both now and in the future.
Strategic Priorities & Goals
Strategic priorities are the key activities needed to
fulfill our core responsibilities as a municipality and
achieve our community's vision. Strategic initiatives
are the specific actions that originate from
feedback provided by the community, Council
and staff to help us achieve our goals.
Winnipeg Beach's Key Strategic Pillars
·-.. --
~
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- & TOURISM
COMMUNICATIO
Strategic Priority: To proactively communicate and
engage with our residents, business owners, and
visitors by providing updates, information, and
education on our municipal programs and services,
as well as the progress of our strategic goals.
To promote and showcase the beauty of our town to
visitors, prospective businesses, and potential partners,
while actively seeking opportunities that benefit the
Town of Winnipeg Beach.
Initiatives:
PERMANENT AND SEASONAL RESIDENTS
- Establishing a communication plan with specific
targets, recognizing and respecting the limitations
of small municipal staff.
- Create easy access to information for residents,
on-line, through e-mail blasts.
- Greater use of town social media for updates,
informing and educating community members.
- Explore costs and process for town newsletter.
- Provide more detailed information on where tax
dollars are spent and value for limited tax base,
beyond the financial plan public hearing.
- Provide project updates to the community,
specifically relating to road work, drainage,
and snow clearing.
- Continued public engagement with the community
for feedback to Council and staff.
- More visible presence from Council and accessible
Council members for questions and ideas.
- Focus on community relationship building
activities, community pride and volunteers.
- Help advertise community centre activities.
- Easy to find information on community events
and volunteer opportunities.
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERS/VISITORS
- Explore options to cooperate across organizations to
solve problems and improve community benefits.
- Foster stronger relationships between elected
leaders at the local, Provincial and federal levels
with meetings to discuss various issues.
- Create a stronger relationship with Manitoba
Parks, exploring opportunities to use provincial
land for activities and events.
- Schedule meetings and hold community tours
with potential developers and business leaders to
promote the municipality.
- Enhanced marketing and promotion of the town
throughout the region and beyond to communicate
that we are open for business and welcoming to
tourism, as we have been historically.
17
18
Strategic Priority: To ensure safe and reliable municipal
infrastructure, including wastewater, water, roads,
and ditches, by supporting ongoing improvements
and upgrades. This will benefit permanent and
seasonal residents while planning for the future needs
of the community.
Initiatives:
- Develop a five-year road and sidewalk management
plan, with the help of trained front-line staff to advise
and update the plan as needed.
RECREATION
Strategic Priority: To enhance community well-being,
inclusivity, and quality of life by offering diverse recreational
services and programs that cater to all ages and interests.
Initiatives:
- Creation of recreation centre rink and curling club
long-term improvement plan to assist with budgeting
and inform the community of planned improvements.
- Develop and promote recreation and community
programs that respond to current residents' needs.
RASTRUCTUR
- Share the road and sidewalk improvement plan with
the community annually at budget time, with
updates to inform on where limited resources are
being directed as well as any changes based on
changing road and sidewalk conditions.
- Develop a drainage master plan for culvert
replacement and ditch work with long-range time line.
- Ensure a sustainable water supply that can support
municipal growth and commercial development.
- Plan for wastewater maintenance and expansion that
can support municipal growth and development.
- Encourage community ambassadors and volunteers.
- Consider areas where active trails could be created
within the community and continue with the
installation of trail markers, recognizing the
importance of active transportation.
- Explore the cost of a community open gym for
multi-purpose use, indoor classes
- Partner with neighbouring municipalities to offer
different programs and promote recreation
throughout the region.
GOOD
.. GOVERNANC
Strategic Priority: To build a strong and effective
municipal organization, Council depends on
.,,
strategic decision making, transparent processes, and
accountable governance practices to achieve our goals
and realize our community vision. Council will foster a
culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
to meet the needs of our community, promote our
beautiful town, and demonstrate leadership in
the region.
Initiatives:
COUNCIL
- Promoting forward-thinking, progressive leadership.
- Emphasis on leadership, teamwork, respect, and
collaboration among Council members and
municipal staff.
- Focus on strategic, transparent, and accountable
decision making.
- Respect for and consideration of administrative
recommendations.
- Ensure healthy reserves for long-term financial
planning, infrastructure and equipment renewal.
- Consider various ways to increase resident
participation in the formal decision-making process
by encouraging participation in meetings, the
formation of committees, and public engagement.
STAFF
- Commitment to a high standard of professionalism
with Council and the community.
- Provide best value for municipal tax dollars,
optimal use of resources that meets the
community's needs.
- Maintain strong, positive, and supportive
organizational/staff culture.
- Create a high-performing workforce that is
well-trained, well-informed and adequately
resourced to respond to service expectations.
- Set response time standards, aligned with resident
expectations, relevant government regulations and
budget and staffing restrictions.
- Communicate timelines with the community.
- Respond to resident requests with email or phone
call acknowledgment within 48 hours.
Strategic Priority: Building stronger partnerships with
the Province of Manitoba, the business community,
private sector, and neighbouring communities is key
to promoting cooperation and collective success.
By collaborating across these sectors, we can unlock
economic growth, tackle shared challenges, and
improve the prosperity and resilience of our community
and the surrounding region.
Initiatives:
- Pursue funding partnerships and grant opportunities
for all municipal programs and services.
- Partner with local business to encourage
consistent hours of operation, particularly during
community events, and offer support in the form
of business promotion.
- Strengthen and foster positive partnership with
Manitoba Parks to encourage town use of provincial
land including green space and boardwalk for
community events and activities.
TNERSHI
- Explore partnerships with public and private
partners for business development and economic
sustainability.
- Promote stronger relationships with regional,
municipal neighbours to explore cost sharing
opportunities, regional grants, and share recreation
and tourism initiatives.
- Continue efforts to enhance community safety
through partnership with local law enforcement,
sharing RCMP reports and crime statistics for
the area as well as their crime prevention
communication.
- Help the Association of Manitoba Municipalities lobby
the provincial government for additional funding for
road maintenance and improvements.
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPM
Strategic Priority: To ensure the long-term resiliency
and survival of our community, we are committed to
fostering business development, expanding tourism, and
creating diverse economic opportunities. By attracting
investment, supporting local businesses, creating the
conditions for affordable housing, and promoting our
unique assets, we aim to build a thriving local economy
that can withstand future challenges and provide lasting
prosperity for residents.
Initiatives:
- Support existing local businesses and attract new
business activities to the community.
- Direct budget and staff resources for economic
development, business growth, and revenue that
could be generated through tourism.
- Explore by-laws that promote and support building
improvements and address unsightly buildings and
vacancy concerns in the business district.
- Ensure taxes, levies, charges and fees are
reasonable, helping the town create a
competitive advantage.
- Create a favorable business development climate,
identifying opportunities for development and
helping address challenges and barriers that would
prevent responsible business development,
consistent with the strategic plan.
- Increase the inventory of residential, retail and
commercial land.
- Ensure land use planning policies and zoning to support
additional housing and business development.
- Consider ways to attract more young families
to the town.
- Create a land inventory of land ready and suitable for
development to share with prospective developers.
- A plan for specific areas of development and how
that development can contribute to infrastructure
benefits such as lagoon expansion.
- Explore revenue generating opportunities.
- Ongoing support and funding for tourism through the
recently formed Destination Winnipeg Beach (DWB)
organization.
- Development of tourism marketing plan.
- Support tourism committee and provide additional
support as they develop their terms of reference and
report ideas to Council.
22
·CULTURE,
HERITAGE,
--:r-.:.&. ARTS
Strategic Priority: Preserving and celebrating our
unique history, culture, heritage, and the arts in
Winnipeg Beach is essential to honour our rich history
and create a vibrant, authentic community.
By promoting local traditions, supporting creative
expression, and leveraging our historic tourist appeal on
the shores of Lake Winnipeg, we aim to attract visitors
and strengthen pride among residents.
Initiatives:
- Ongoing support and funding for tourism through the
recently formed Destination Winnipeg Beach (DWB),
an organization that not only focuses on tourism but
provides opportunities to share the town's history
and support the arts through various events.
- Work with the Winnipeg Beach Historical Society
to help preserve and share the town's history with
residents and visitors alike.
- Consider innovative and interesting proposals to
incorporate the history of Winnipeg Beach in the
modern, tourist resort town.
- Provide funding and support for additional historical
plaques throughout the town, identifying historic
cottages and locations.
- Encourage volunteers and organizations to promote
the arts with music events, art tours, and explore
workshops, performances, and educational tours.
- Revitalize main street in collaboration with
local businesses.
- Respect the history and community involvement
of various organizations including the Winnipeg
Beach Legion.
Contact us:
Town of Winnipeg Beach
29 Robinson Ave.
Winnipeg Beach Manitoba R0C 3G0
RM of Winnipeg Beach Office
Phone: (204)389-2698
Email: [email protected]
Stay in touch:
[£] X
Service tracker:
To submit a service request, please
visit our website at winnipegbeach.ca
Prepared by:
GOVIOX
TIA
ASMIN