A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday to open a new accessible viewing platform at the Discovery Nature Sanctuary in Winkler.

The new structure was made possible thanks to a contribution by Kroeker Farms.

The land which the sanctuary is located, used to be owned by Kroeker Farms, and President and CEO of the company, Wayne Rempel says even with the City of Winkler buying the land to preserve it under the care of the Discovery Nature Sanctuary (DNS) Committee, it's been a part of their company for a long time. He says with the vision of the DNS committee, the sanctuary has really come to life. Rempel says Kroeker Farms is very pleased to be a part of it.

"Our offices are connected to it...every day I look out my window and I see the geese and the ducks in the pond and we feel we're really close to it. Also, one of our values is enhancing and protecting the environment, so this fits perfectly with what we love to do."

Kroeker Farms also helps DNS with things like tree planting, watering, and weeding, as well as taking care of the pond by Kroeker Farms' office.

The Co-op Education Center at Winkler's Discovery Nature Sanctuary was given an official ribbon cutting on Tuesday. The outdoor classroom was built last year, thanks in part, to a $60,000 contribution from Winkler-Morden Co-op. 

Cam Buhler, Food Division Manager for Winkler-Morden Co-op was on hand for the morning celebration. Buhler says community is the reason Co-op exists, and anything they can do to help the community to be better, they want to be a part of it.

Front row (L-R) DNS Committee Chair Paul Goossen, Cam Buhler, Food Division Manager for Winkler-Morden Co-op, Winkler Mayor Martin Harder, R.M. of Stanley Councillor Bob Giesbrecht, DNS committee member Robert Loeppky. Winkler-Morden Co-op staff are pictured behind the ribbon cutting.

Buhler says having visited the sanctuary on previous occasions, it's been wonderful to see it being used.

"It's always great to see projects come to fruition, and just to see how people will be affected in the future...It is really a sanctuary. It's a place where you can come, and you can forget about your problems, and you can relax, meditate, do whatever you need to do to get back on track."

Paul Goossen, DNS Committee Chair, says the viewing platform offers visitors an opportunity to see a little more of the sanctuary than just walking the trails. Goossen says in his opinion, the view from the viewing platform, is one of the most scenic views in Winkler. "You've got a creek running through it with beautiful trees, and shrubs, Canada Geese in the water, maybe waterfowl, it's really a peaceful scene. It's not one you would expect to see normally within an urban environment."

Goossen believes the viewing platform will be enjoyed by many, people that enjoy birdwatching, photographers, or people that are out just to enjoy nature.

The Co-op Education Center is essentially set up to be a gathering place, and has a multi-purpose function, added Goossen. "We've got picnic tables here where people come and just have lunch. Maybe they'll just come for coffee and visit here. Then of course schools come here as well...We hope that people will come, enjoy it and make use it."

Meanwhile, with Canada observing the first National day of Truth and Reconciliation tomorrow, September 30th, Goossen, says DNS recognizes that although they are trying to steward the land, the land was there earlier with First Nations people as its stewards.

The following is a gallery of photos taken at the Discovery Nature Sancuary Tuesday morning following the ribbon cuttings.