After decorating the local landscape for a decade, Spirit Way is finally getting an upgrade.
Throughout the last couple months, members of Spirit Way Inc. have gone about updating and modernizing the 20 different signs and displays that populate this two-kilometre pathway that runs from the Heritage North Museum to the Miles Hart Bridge.
“Some displays only needed new plexiglass or graffiti needed to be removed. In some cases there were displays where the content was out of date,” said Spirit Way volunteer Volker Beckmann. “So I think now everybody can at least point to them with a little bit of pride again.”
According Beckmann, this touch-up project is important because Spirit Way is designated as a “Star Attraction” by Travel Manitoba and should be maintained in order to meet that standard.
“Travel Manitoba identifies all of Thompson’s attractions in the province, so it’s important for us the keep them updated, clean, and fresh so we don’t lose that status,” he said.
This touch-up project also involved installing a brand new display at MacLean Park, which pays tribute to this recreational green space and Don MacLean, who served as the mayor of Thompson between 1977 and 1991. While this new sign designates the park as a historical landmark, it also highlights how the space is currently used for local celebrations such as Canada Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, weddings and concerts.
The beautification cost around $25,000 in total, although it was subsidized with a $17,000 government grant. Beckmann said it was important to make these upgrades during the summer in order to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary and to commemorate the decade that Spirit Way attractions have been an everyday fixture of Thompson.
“So they should be good to go for another 10 years now,” he said.
To learn more about Spirit Way, please visit their official website.
