$10,000 MASC grant for the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton and four community organizations
Riverton is embarking on a project to enhance its valuable heritage assets after receiving a substantial grant from the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities (MASC), which oversees Age Friendly Manitoba.
The Riverton Transportation Heritage Centre will be the “central hub” for the town’s Heritage in Action project, which received a $10,000 grant from the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities (MASC)/Age Friendly
Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton deputy reeve Chad Johnson (right) received the $10,000 cheque from Don Fletcher from MASC/Age Friendly Manitoba
MASC/Age Friendly awarded $10,000 to the Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, which has teamed up with four local organizations on a project called Heritage in Action.
The grant money will be used to enhance accessibility, safety and community connection in Riverton.
“The grant from Age Friendly Manitoba recognizes the significance of the Heritage in Action Stories, Safety, and Community Connections project, validates the collaborative spirit of our community and partner organizations and will help us turn shared vision into action,” said Ruth Ann Furgala, who works with the Riverton Transportation Heritage Centre. “We sincerely appreciate the collaborative support.”
The Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton’s assistant chief administrative officer Deanna Fridfinnson prepared a detailed overview of the project, costs and partner responsibilities.
She said the municipality is working with the Riverton Transportation Heritage Centre, Djorfung Ladies Aid, Riverton Parks and Recreation, and the Riverton Elks Lodge #530.
“Heritage in Action embodies the spirit of an age-friendly community — one that values its history, empowers its seniors, and connects generations through shared purpose. With strong partnerships, measurable outcomes, and sustainable improvements, this project will create a safer, more welcoming, and more connected Riverton for everyone,” wrote Fridfinnson in her overview.
The Heritage in Action project came about after conversations among seniors’ groups, municipal leaders, volunteers and heritage advocates, all of whom wanted to preserve Riverton’s “rich history while ensuring community spaces remain safe, accessible and welcoming for all ages.”
The municipality’s role in the project is to provide in-kind administrative support to oversee leadership and coordination of the project, plus facility maintenance.
The Riverton Transportation Heritage Centre’s role is to act as the project’s central hub, and its volunteers will host programs and events, manage artifact displays and maintain the upgraded facilities for ongoing community use.
The Djorfung Ladies Aid, a volunteer organization that’s turning 125 years old this year, will be constructing a new information kiosk and supporting heritage storytelling and community gatherings.
Riverton Parks and Recreation’s role is to “bridge the gap” between youth and seniors and engage younger residents in volunteer roles, event support and mentorship activities.
The Riverton Elks, a volunteer and funding support organization, will be providing logistical support, resources for events and volunteers.
“Together, these partners ensure the project’s long-term success,” wrote Fridfinnson. “The Municipality will maintain infrastructure improvements, while the RTHC, Djorfung Ladies Aid, Parks and Recreation, and Elks will sustain programming and community engagement beyond the grant period.”
The project will enhance community accessibility and cultural preservation, community engagement, volunteer mobilization and sustainability.
“The Heritage in Action project enhances accessibility, safety, and intergenerational connection within the Riverton Transportation Heritage Centre (RTHC) and surrounding community spaces,” wrote Fridfinnson. “It celebrates local history while strengthening community well-being through inclusive infrastructure improvements, volunteer training, and heritage-based storytelling activities.”
The project includes building an interlocking brick patio and kiosk, shaded seating area, level pathways and handrails for people with mobility challenges. The kiosk will have QR codes to link to local historical events, oral storytelling, community gatherings and photographs.
An interior security gate and interior security windows were installed at the transportation centre, and the municipality installed an interior and exterior camera security-monitoring system to protect artifacts and exhibits.
The Riverton Elks purchased a Canadian Pacific railway bench, which was part of Gimli’s railway station, and story boards.
The total project cost has been pegged at $21,307.
The Manitoba Association of Senior Communities is the steward of Age Friendly Manitoba. MASC provides services to Manitoba’s aging population.
Municipalities can apply for a Community Collaboration Grant for up to $10,000 to support a project that brings together a sponsoring municipality and three or more community organizations.
MASC is funded by the provincial government through the department of health, seniors and active living, and by the Winnipeg Foundation.
Eligibility for the grant is based on an applicant meeting two or more age friendly domains.
Riverton will be officially opening the Reggie Leach Museum Room in the Riverton Transportation Heritage Centre on July 4, 2026, and the Djorfung Ladies Aid will be celebrating 125 years of community service.
