Niverville Mayor Explores Innovation and Remembrance Day Plans

During a council meeting on November 4, Mayor Myron Dyck of Niverville discussed recent opportunities to engage with provincial leaders on innovation and the importance of local education programs. His remarks followed his attendance at the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce’s innovation and prosperity event on October 31, where he networked with influential figures, including Premier Wab Kinew, Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of Research in Motion, and Mike Moroz, the Minister of Innovation and New Technology.

Dyck emphasized the need for skilled trades workers in the region, advocating for educational initiatives starting at the high school level. “They’ve been talking about needing skilled trades workers, and I know that their focus is on colleges and universities,” Dyck stated. “But I believe it has to start at the high school level, so I would like to do some lobbying for that.” He underscored the importance of early exposure to vocational training, suggesting that Niverville High School could develop trades courses similar to successful models in the Pembina Trails School Division.

Conversations are already underway among Dyck, Niverville High School principal Paul Grosskopf, and Bev Stuart, vice-president of business development and community initiatives at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT). They are brainstorming ways to integrate trades courses into the high school curriculum, which could include subjects like software development, coding, and cybersecurity. Dyck noted, “I believe there are opportunities [here]. How do we get our young people to the jobs of today and take the courses of today?”

He clarified that his vision does not involve replicating the Steinbach Regional Secondary School but rather distributing vocational instruction across multiple high schools. This approach could potentially enhance educational offerings at a lower cost. Dyck also proposed collaborating with local tradespeople to host career symposiums at Niverville High School, creating pathways for students to connect with industry professionals.

In addition to education, Dyck expressed his desire to attract more innovators to Niverville. He pointed to the town’s experience with pilot projects, such as its wetlands and the new mechanized wastewater facility. “We’re available if the [innovators] need to do a pilot project. Maybe that’s something we could do here,” he noted.

On the subject of Remembrance Day, Dyck encouraged community members to attend the annual service, which will take place at the CRRC on November 11 at 10:00 a.m. This year’s program will feature a live interview with Scott Stroh, a local resident and retired master sailor. Dyck highlighted the significance of the event: “Our community has taken great pride in its annual service, brought about by a small group of passionate and dedicated locals.”

For Dyck, Remembrance Day serves as a vital opportunity for reflection and understanding. He shared personal stories from his family, who lived through the Second World War. “Our kids and youth today, they hear the stories but they don’t know the stories,” he said. “We have to continue to tell the stories of why the country we have is the country we have. It’s because of the price that’s been paid.”

Through these initiatives in education and remembrance, Dyck aims to foster a stronger community in Niverville, ensuring that the past informs the future while preparing the next generation for the challenges ahead.