Communities in Focus: spotlight on Winkler and Morden

At CBC Manitoba, our job is to tell stories that reflect our province's many people and places. Communities in Focus is a community news bureau project that aims to hear Manitobans' stories and share them with the rest of the province.

This past March, the communities of Winkler and Morden hosted CBC's Communities in Focus. We spent a week meeting with leaders and innovators, and learning about life in the region.

Now, we're sharing the stories of Winkler and Morden.

READ  

• New Pembina Valley cemetery, mosque helping Muslims feel more at home. Read more. 
• Morden business, housing construction slowing down over wastewater woes. Read more. 
• Employers in Morden-Winkler manufacturing hub planning to pivot, prioritize workers amid tariffs. Read more. 
• New biking, walking pathway to connect Morden, Winkler by fall. Read more.

WATCH

New active transportation path to connect Morden, Winkler by fall:

Tariffs, counter-tariffs top of mind for manufacturing hub in southern Manitoba:

New active transportation path to connect Morden, Winkler by fall

2 months ago

Duration 2:47

People in the Morden-Winkler area of southern Manitoba will soon have a new 10-kilometre biking and walking trail connecting the twin cities.

Lack of wastewater treatment capacity hampering home-building in Morden:

Lack of wastewater treatment capacity hampering home-building in Morden

2 months ago

Duration 3:37

The demand for new housing in Morden is outpacing the supply, thanks to a lack of wastewater treatment capacity and a lack of funds for a new facility. But the neighbouring city of Winkler may be able to help out in the short term.

New Pembina Valley burial site, mosque helping Muslims feel more at home:

New Pembina Valley burial site, mosque helping Muslims feel more at home

2 months ago

Duration 2:58

Morden’s growing Muslim community has a new place to come together and pray, and soon they’ll also have a final resting place for their loved ones. The City of Morden and the local Muslim community have arranged to set aside land for a Muslim burial site at the city's newest cemetery.

Winkler Flyers Soar into Playoffs with Championship Hopes:

Morden-area manufacturer sees boom in business for natural and organic makeup:

Information Radio on CBC News MB March 20 | LIVE@ Outpost Grill at the junction of highway 3 & 14:

Information Radio March 18, 2025 | LIVE FROM Decor Cabinets in Morden, Manitoba:

LISTEN

Radio Noon Manitoba7:58A Fusion of Flavours: East Meets West Africa

Ganiyat Oyesomi-Daibu, owner of WangDao Bistro in Morden, tells host Marjorie Dowhos how she’s blending Nigerian and Chinese cuisines into a unique dining experience. From taking over a local Chinese restaurant to introducing the flavors of her Nigerian roots, Ganiyat shares the story behind her culinary fusion and the unique flavours she's bringing to the community.

Information Radio - MB8:57Morden’s Growth Faces Limits: The Housing Dilemma

The southern Manitoba city of Morden is experiencing rapid growth, but its ability to keep up with the demand for housing is being hindered. CBC's Rosanna Hempel tells host Marcy Markusa about the city's struggles with its nearly full wastewater treatment system and how it's impacting new building permits. 

Information Radio - MB5:55Morden's Growing Muslim Community Finds Resting Place at Lakeside Cemetery

Morden, Manitoba is making a significant step in meeting the needs of its growing Muslim community. Director of the town’s first-ever mosque, S-K Rubaiyat Zaman, speaks with CBC’s Rosanna Hempel about the city's plan to allocate land at Lakeside Cemetery for Islamic burials and what this new development means for families in the region and how this change reflects the community's growth and cultural importance.

Information Radio - MB9:44Morden: Growth, Innovation, and a New Vision for Southern Manitoba

Live from Southern Manitoba, Communities in Focus takes you to Morden, a city of 10,000 with a unique character. Host Marcy Markusa speaks with Mayor Nancy Penner about the city’s growth, innovation, and how Morden is setting itself apart from neighboring Winkler. From its proud tree canopy to its first-ever female mayor, Morden’s future is looking bright as it continues to evolve.

Information Radio - MB4:53The Arts Scene of Morden: A Creative Hub

Host Marcy Markusa speaks with Jenny Smirl, director of the Pembina Hills Arts Council, about the growing arts community in Morden, Manitoba. From the iconic Dominion Post Office to local artistic endeavors, they talk about how the region's unique charm is fostering connections through creativity.

Information Radio - MB7:46From Farmers Market to National Brand

Manufacturing in Morden isn’t just about heavy machinery, cosmetics are making a mark too. Candace Grenier, the owner and formulator of Pure Anada Cosmetics, speaks with CBC’s Cory Funk about her journey from selling homemade makeup at local farmers markets to building a nationally recognized brand.

Information Radio - MB8:26A Refugee Family’s New Beginning: The Power of Connection in Morden

After thirty years in a refugee camp, the Turay family’s journey to Morden, Manitoba led them to more than just a new home—it led them to a deep, life-changing bond with the Klassen family. Host Marcy Markusa speaks with Brenda Klassen about the powerful family-to-family connection that grew between the Klassen and Turay families, showing how true community support transcends policies and promises. Hear the heartwarming story of how these two families from opposite sides of the world became one.

Information Radio - MB11:41Morden's Economic Pulse: Decor Cabinets, Tariffs, and Growth

With 50% of Decor Cabinets' products heading to the U.S., owner Stan Pauls speaks with host Marcy Markusa about the potential impact of tariffs on the company and its 500+ employees. Plus, Marcy also spoke with Jason Dyck, Economic Development Officer, about Morden’s Industrial Incubator Mall and why the city is a unique place to do business.

Information Radio - MB8:49Winkler on the Rise: Growth, Business, and Community

Broadcasting live from the Outpost Grill on Highway 14, a look at Winkler—the fourth largest city in Manitoba. Once known for its small-town charm and iconic local businesses, Winkler has grown into a hub of industry and development. With a booming population, major employers, and a record number of housing builds, how is the city managing its rapid expansion? Mayor Henry Siemens speaks with host Marcy Markusa on what’s fueling Winkler’s success and what support is needed to keep it going.

Information Radio - MB5:15Building Business and Community in Winkler

Live from the Outpost Grill on Highway 14, Frank Peters speaks with Marcy Markusa about his deep connection to Winkler, a city he calls good, growing, and hardworking. As the owner of the Outpost Grill—and a familiar face at Winkler Flyers games—he shares with us what makes this community special and why he’s investing in its future.

Information Radio - MB8:40More Than a Meal: Bringing Winkler Together

A weekly breakfast in Winkler is doing more than just serving food—it’s creating community. Central Station, a local organization funded largely by private donations, is bringing people from all walks of life together in a way that’s not quite a soup kitchen, not quite a food bank, and not quite a restaurant… but something much more. CBC’s Cory Funk visits to see the impact firsthand.

Information Radio - MB9:25Winkler Flyers Soar into Playoffs with Championship Hopes

Live from the Outpost Grill on Highway 14 in Winkler, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs are about to begin, and the Winkler Flyers are chasing back-to-back Turnbull Cups. Fans have packed the stands all season, and with a smaller arena hosting their playoff opener, the energy is set to be electric. Host Marcy Markusa speaks with three Flyers players about their journey, the pressure of defending their title, and what it’s like to play in a hockey-loving town.

Information Radio - MB7:59Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Tough Choices for Winkler Business

Live from the Outpost Grill on Highway 14 in Winkler, Manitoba. The impact of tariffs is hitting hard—Tektite Manufacturing weathered COVID-19, but now faces a new challenge. President Ted Mahood speaks with Marcy Markusa about how rising tariffs, including a 25% hit, could shut them out of the U.S. market.

The Weekend Morning Show (Manitoba)23:04Conservative voters weigh in on elections and Trump

27-year-old John Wiebe is an American-Canadian citizen living in Plum Coulee, Manitoba, who voted for Donald Trump in the last US election. 23-year-old Mike Klassen was born and raised in Winkler, Manitoba.

The Weekend Morning Show (Manitoba)10:44The spirit of generosity in Winkler, Manitoba

Winkler resident Christina Falk is the Manager of Chapter Support for Habitat for Humanity, Manitoba

The Weekend Morning Show (Manitoba)11:16Ukrainian immigrant celebrates one-year anniversary

Sasha Pashchenko is a fashion designer and business owner. Her fabric store "Sasha's Atelier" in Morden, Mb celebrates its first anniversary today

The Weekend Morning Show (Manitoba)10:47Our earlybirds from Morden share how they are supporting healthcare workers in their community

Pat Gibson and Marilyn Skubovius came up with an idea over coffee, and now they have made it a reality.

The Weekend Morning Show (Manitoba)10:48On bereavement and grief

Linda Fehr shares why it is so important to offer bereavement support to those who have lost a loved one.

Check out more Communities in Focus features here.