It’s time to add another destination to the list of must-see Interlake gems.
Lake Manitoba Resort in St. Laurent celebrated its grand opening on July 11. The Manitoba Métis Federation spearheaded the project, which includes a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse and pro shop. A full-service RV park is also in the works. All the amenities will be available to members of the public.
Mona Buors is the Interlake Métis Association’s regional executive along with Jack Park and Alfred Anderson. She is also the minister of Métis Child and Family Services for the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), National Government of the Red River Métis. They all expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.
“Lake Manitoba Resort has beautiful greens and fairways. It’s wonderful,” Buors said.
“The grand opening was a big success. A great number of people attended, and everybody was impressed and so happy to see it.”
The golf course is already taking bookings for tournaments, and it also offers golf programs for men, women and juniors.
“Maybe someday we’ll have a professional golfer come out of there,” Buors said with a laugh. “Who knows?”
For those who need to stock up on their golf gear, the new Lake Manitoba Resort golf shop stocks golf clubs, bags, balls, clothing, accessories and more.
And even if you’re not out enjoying a round of golf, the Clubhouse is worth checking out too. The restaurant seats 158 people — with 78 indoors and 80 outdoors — and a private dining room seats 20 for small family gatherings or corporate events.
“We have a chef and a sous chef who have created a menu with the Métis culture in mind,” Buors said.
“They have some traditional Métis food, and they also have a full menu that is absolutely delicious.”
Indigenous-inspired offerings include three sisters salad, bison burger with blueberry barbecue sauce and hempseed-crusted pickerel with wild rice.
As for the campground, Phase 1 offers 75 seasonal sites for lease. Plans are in the works for campers to set up later this year to prepare for a full camping season in 2025. In addition, the campground will feature four tiny homes for short-term rental.
After the second phase is complete, the campground will feature a total of 180 full-service sites with water, wastewater and electrical hook-ups.
Lake Manitoba Resort will create a ripple effect of benefits that are both economic and social.
“It will be good economically for the businesses around the surrounding areas, especially St. Laurent. It’s only minutes to Lake Manitoba and all the lake activities and to neighbouring communities for shopping and so much more,” Buors said.
“It’s also a benefit because it’s creating numerous jobs there. We currently have 15 staff, and we’ll have 20 to 25 staff once the resort is fully operational. And right now, the construction that’s going on is with a Métis construction company. They’re hiring people from around St. Laurent and surrounding communities.”
Without a doubt, Lake Manitoba Resort will boost tourism to the area. At the same time, it’s a destination for the local community to enjoy.
“It’s so beneficial for the youth in the community who can look forward to a having a nice place to spend their time,” Buors said.
“This will be great for the young people. Everybody should have the chance to go see it. We’re so proud of it.”
To learn more about Lake Manitoba Resort, visit lakembresort.com.
Tribune Photos Submitted
