I want to congratulate owner Brett O’Meara on the grand opening of the world’s newest McDonald’s restaurant here in Thompson last week. It was a pleasure seeing the large numbers of guests supporting this business expansion on opening day, and taking the opportunity to satisfy that craving that was steadily building up over the past couple of months.
It was also nice to meet up with Spirit Way contest winners Natasha George and Fredrick Richings from Wolverhampton, U.K., at the Heritage North Museum while they were touring Thompson on their way to see polar bears in the Churchill area this week.
Thanks to all the volunteers, members and donors who came out and showed support for the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Defeat Depression walk, the Terry Fox Run for cancer research and the Hope North “Fuel” Good Day at Thompson Co-op Gas Bar this week. It’s great to see the dedication, commitment and appreciation northerners have for organizations that are making a difference in our region of Manitoba.
More than 100 years ago, the First Nations community of Shoal Lake was forced onto an isolated peninsula to allow for construction of an aqueduct to supply water to Winnipeg. I’m very pleased that our provincial government has provided $10 million, while another $10 million has been contributed by the City of Winnipeg and $20 million has come from the federal government to get Freedom Road built. Well under construction, this road will provide a permanent connection for the community to the provincial road network and bring benefits for Shoal Lake members and residents for years to come. The construction project employs members of the community and is expected to be completed by June 2019.
