Congratulations are in order for local recipients of Manitoba Good Roads awards.
Formed in 1909, the Manitoba Good Roads Association aims to promote road development in Manitoba. The organization presents awards each year to recognize achievements in road construction and maintenance, as well as for the beautification of communities and individual home grounds. Of the 32 awards, three are provincial.
Mike and Julie Clarke receiving their award from Laurie Hunt, MGRA vice-president and judge
In addition, the Manitoba Good Roads Association provides educational programming for public works employees, supervisors, councillors and reeves.
This year, Mike and Julie Clarke were chosen as the winners in the Best Urban Home Grounds in the population 2,001 to 7,500 category. The Town of Stonewall nominated the Clarkes, whose home also earned Yard of the Week last summer. Only member municipalities are allowed to submit nominations.
The Urban Home Grounds category is based on several criteria, including general layout, ornamentals, decorative plantings, living-out areas, special features and creativity.
“We were quite surprised. It’s great to be recognized for your hard work. It’s not an easy task sometimes, but it’s come together quite nicely. It’s beautiful here,” Mike Clarke said.
“You don’t get many lots like this in town. It’s like a park in the backyard, and I’ve got a lovely workshop in the back. We sourced all the garden stuff from Waring, which is a local place.”
They like to change the attractions in their yard, which even included Thomas the Tank over Christmas and a tractor with a trailer in the fall. Looking ahead, they’ve got some fence work to tackle, as well as some other plans in the works.
“It is hard work but it is something that I enjoy doing,” he said. “I’ve always loved a good yard.”
In addition, the RM of Rockwood received several awards, including for the best continuous half-mile of new or rebuilt road. This category is judged on the general conditions of the road surface, as well as road slopes, back slopes, approaches, bridges, culverts, road signage, ditches and removal of drift soil, scrub and rock at the fence line.
The RM also earned the Class 1 award for the best-maintained system of municipal roads in rural municipalities, as well as the provincial cup award for being a district winner.
“On behalf of council and the entire municipality, I extend our sincere congratulations to the public works department on receiving the provincial cup for excellence in road maintenance,” said Rockwood Reeve Wes Taplin.
“This prestigious award reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to public service, operational excellence, and the safety and well-being of our residents. We commend their professionalism and take great pride in this outstanding achievement.”
An awards banquet took place on April 14 at the Delta in Winnipeg.
