Longtime coordinator of events and tourism, Deb Penner, is taking on a new mantle in light of a growing city.

Starting November 1 Penner will take on the role of Director of Recreation, Culture and Tourism, the head of the combined recreation and tourism departments.

"I'm especially thrilled we're going to bring these two departments together that have a lot of similarities anyway," she says.

Including culture is an intentional point as well, Penner says, to recognize the diversity of the city.

"It's an exciting position," Winkler Mayor Martin Harder says, adding it was a perfect fit for Penner.

Penner will help coordinate events that promote the city's diverse culture as well

In the past, the recreation department reported to the Director of Works and Operation but now falls under the Director of Recreation, Culture, and Tourism, who in turn reports to the city manager.

Penner will pull on her 11 years of experience organizing numerous events and concerts, including the annual Harvest Festival and its hundreds of volunteers.

She will also take a major role in the expanded Meridian Exhibition Centre.

"In a few years time that could be a whole other way of approaching what we do in the community... so I think it's a really good time to do it now, we're being proactive instead of reactive," Penner says.

Penner will continue to oversee the Harvest Festival.

"It's a wonderful city, but we still have a whole lot more potential and things we can do," she says. "And I think that's going to happen now that the team has grown."

Penner will continue to oversee the Harvest Festival