The novel coronavirus has made a muck of many festivities and plans, but Morden isn't deterred.

Instead of a massive Manitoba 150 event this year, Morden decided to focus on local history. According to Program Coordinator Clare Agnew, the idea came during the Communities in Bloom Conference last fall, where Dr. Gordon Goldsborough from the Manitoba Historical Society, challenged communities to capture an aspect of their local history.

Taking on that challenge, Morden has developed six plaques stationed at lake Minnewasta.

"I'm thrilled about how the project has come together," says Agnew. "We researched many sources of information in completing the project, and it was important for us to present accurate information. The challenge was keeping the information concise and manageable on the plaque displays, as there's so much history to share,"

The display is similar to what's already available at the Confederation Park. It will feature information on the glacial period, and the Indigenous Land Use before Lake Minnewasta was created. With the completion of this project, Agnew is inspired to consider further history projects for Morden.

"I am hoping we can continue with this model in other areas of the city. If residents have an idea of future history projects or locations, please share them with our department."

The Morden Area Foundation funded the project through the Manitoba 150 Legacy Project Fund, the Lautenschlager Family Fund, and the City of Morden.

With many ideas for Manitoba 150 squashed by the current pandemic, Agnew says they will be holding onto them for next year. The city will be keeping those plans close to its chest, wanting to be sure of requirements before making any announcements, so residents will have to wait anxiously.