The summer season at the International Peace Garden (IPG) is getting busy now that some major construction is underway.

The IPG has hire construction crews and work has started on a major upgrade and renovation of the conservatory at the interpretive centre.

Turtle Mountain MLA Doyle Piwniuk is a board member and he says the future looks bright now that covid restrictions are being loosened.

“We are hoping that by July 5th we will be able to get visitors from Canada back there. We did well last year with people coming from North Dakota. The Peace Garden has also taken advantage of grant and employment opportunities to hire staff and keep the facility going.”

Piwniuk says the conservatory project is happening thanks to grants from both Manitoba and North Dakota.

“We gave $7.5 million Canadian to match the grant from North Dakota and that’s allowing projects to move forward and hopefully once people can get back across the border they can see what’s taking shape. Also, the condition of the Peace Garden right now is fantastic.”

Part of the changes to the conservatory will include making the cafeteria more of a restaurant setting along with outdoor eating areas.

Plans also call for the installation of a new playground near the formal garden area.

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Written by Barry Lamb