Winners show Interlake is a tourism hub
From Lockport to Gimli to Oak Hammock Marsh and more many winners were announced at this year’s Interlake Tourism Awards proving that we don’t have to go far to find great events, people and organizations.
Melissa Van Soelen, manager of Interlake Tourism and Samantha Hampton Interlake Tourism’s community engagement consultant were a dynamic duo bringing joy and fun along with an informative presentation.
“It’s not every day that we have the ability to gather with so many dedicated, passionate people who admire tourism as much as we do,” said Hampton.
The Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club was packed with representatives from all over the region who were there to see which of the 20 nominees would take home the 12 awards that honour outstanding contributions and achievements in the tourism industry in the Interlake.
The big winners that came home with awards were then announced:
Wishme operated by Inclusion Selkirk took home the Business, Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. Wishme is a business in Selkirk on Eveline St and Van Soelen said that it’s not your grandma’s shop.
“It’s had a total makeover, [that’s] all about inclusivity with wider doorways through the aisles and automatic door openers that will make you feel like a magician. And, if you need a quick change to your superhero cape, they’ve got a deluxe accessible washroom. But here’s the real magic. Wishme is a social enterprise on a mission to support adults with intellectual disabilities on their journey to becoming workplace superheroes. The staff is like the Yoda of employment skills,” she said.
The next recognition was for the Employee of the Year Award which went to the RM of St. Clements Recreation Manager, Brenna Philp.
“She leaves an unforgettable mark wherever she goes, but there’s more. She’s the genius behind rural tourism development. Brenna is like a collaboration wizard uniting with locals to showcase the region’s quirks and culture drawing visitors from all over Manitoba and beyond,” said Hampton.
The winner of the Marketing Campaign of the Year over $2500 Award went to The Gimli Chamber of Commerce Destination Brand Committee for their Explore Gimli – the Heart of New Iceland campaign.
“They took Gimli from a summer hotspot to a year-round wonderland. Starting their journey in February 2022 with 21 dedicated team members and the help of Travel Manitoba, they unleashed a strategic plan by September which included an expanded ice fishing village. Picture people in colourful shacks, tasty treats on ice accommodations and Icelandic heritage, a winter angler’s dream,” said Hampton.
The next winner was Lake Winnipeg’s oldest volunteer-run seasonal pier The Famous Sandy Hook Pier taking home the Interlake Tourism Non-Member Excellence Award.
“It went from a hidden gem to a top lighting photo spot, Northern Lights hub, and community hangout. They teamed up with the Lions Club for a wild scavenger hunt, maximized their social media, especially Facebook, as well as started a GoFundMe which powered this grassroots sensation. They even got limited edition Christmas ornaments by local artists to promote and fundraise,” said Hampton.
Harry J. Enns Wetland Discovery Centre – Oak Hammock Marsh was the next winner. They took home with them the Sustainable Tourism Award.
“These folks are all about sustainable tourism, education, community involvement and collaboration with the government to tackle conservation challenges. They even throw forums and conferences into the mix. By including the community in their tourism plans and creating jobs, boosted tourism revenue and fixed up the place, or will be. They’re so transparent, they monitor sustainability indicators, and they’re all about environmental education, habitat, preservation, wildlife watching and connecting folks with wetlands,” said Van Soelen.
Taking home the Business Of The Year–Large (More Than 20 Employees) Award was The Gimli International Film Festival.
“The Gimli International Film Festival is a networking hub for filmmakers driving film-related business growth in Manitoba featuring competitions and awards and a career rocket for filmmakers and art boosts in Manitoba and it’s a tourism magnet, obviously. Have you ever been to Gimli when the film festival is going on?” said Van Soelen.
The Volunteer of the Year category had some of the toughest competition of the evening. Ultimately the winners of the night were Susan and Peter Holfeuer who have been dedicated volunteers in Gimli for over 15 years.
“Susan and Peter Holfeuer are the dynamic duo of the Gimli Ice Festival. They’ve dedicated 15 years to this town. In 2023 they steered the Gimli Ice Festival with over 100 volunteers. They even conquered COVID by taking things online, keeping the community engaged with wacky events. These two are the social and economic sparks of Gimli drawing crowds by the thousands,” said Hampton.
Next up was the Marketing Campaign Of The Year (Campaign Under $2,500) Award which went to the Lockport Community Development Group.
“They strategically put Lockport on the map during the St Andrew’s Lock and Dam construction. With a campaign targeting anglers, adventures, history buffs, and families, they highlight Lockport’s rich history and Indigenous heritage,” said Van Soelen.
The Indigenous Tourism Award went to Fisher River Cree Nation.
“They’re all about self-sustainability and good governance while protecting the beauty of the South-Eastern Interlake. These leaders are on a mission to provide top-notch service and programs for their community and beyond. They’re actively pursuing self-determination, all while seeking reconciliation and healing, especially in the face of challenges and trauma for residential schools. With elders as their guides, they’re educating their youth about Indigenous heritage,” said Van Soelen.
The Interlake Tourism Member Excellence Award this year was taken home by Heather Hinam of Second Nature Creative Interpretation.
“She has been the go-to creative for introducing visitors to the island, nature and cultural heritage. Through Second Nature, she’s orchestrated media tours and custom signage and rock news code coverage for 11 communities in the Interlake,” said Van Soelen.
Sweeping away the category of Business Of The Year– Small (Fewer Than 20 Employees) Award was none other than Prairie Breeze Folk Arts Studio.
“Here the ancient art of broom-making comes to life with a dash of enchantment. Visitors step into a world of folk art crafting brooms for decoration, special ceremonies, or everyday cleaning. With hands-on workshops and small classes, you’ll feel like a wizard,” said Van Soelen.
The final award of the evening was for the event of the year. Though there were many amazing events in the Interlake and tough competition in the nominees for this category alone, Holiday Alley in Selkirk came away with the award this year.
“This event keeps growing with Indigenous teaching, short films, live concerts, and more. They have sheep poetry. . . It’s all about boosting tourism, downtown renewal, and fostering community bonds plus they’re all for supporting non-profits and promoting local art and culture. They’ve got a brilliant communication strategy and they’re just they’re not just local news there and national news,” said Van Soelen.
This evening was a wonderful time for all involved and a great way to recognize the hard-working people of our region. To keep up with the many projects that Interlake Tourism is a part of and learn more about many of the upcoming events in our region visit Interlake Tourism’s website at https://interlaketourism.com/
Record Photos by Katelyn Boulanger
