You won't believe what Brandon is doing with newcomers!
Morning from the Valley — here's what's growing in Winkler-Morden. And speaking of growth, I saw this story about Brandon that just had me nodding my head. It's about how newcomers are absolutely driving the revitalization of their downtown. We see it here in Winkler and Morden, of course, but Brandon's numbers are something else entirely. Immigrant entrepreneurs now own an estimated 70 to 75 percent of the businesses in their downtown core. That’s not just growth; that’s a complete transformation.
### Why This Matters for the Pembina Valley
This isn't just about Brandon; it's a huge lesson for every community, especially ours along the Highway 3 corridor. We know firsthand the incredible energy and innovation that new Canadians bring. Just look at the expansions at Decor Cabinets or Friesen Corporation – many of those new shifts are filled by folks who chose the Pembina Valley as their new home. Brandon's experience shows what happens when you create an affordable, welcoming environment where people can put down roots and build something.
* **Entrepreneurial Spirit:** Newcomers often arrive with a strong drive to create their own opportunities, seeing gaps in the market or bringing skills from their home countries. * **Affordable Spaces:** Like here in Winkler-Morden, Brandon's downtown offered accessible commercial rents, allowing new businesses to start without huge upfront costs. * **Community Building:** These businesses don't just sell goods; they become hubs, creating jobs and fostering a vibrant, diverse streetscape.
It’s a point I’ve made often: Winkler and Morden are a national model for rural growth and newcomer integration. The rest of Canada should be studying us, not ignoring us. What Brandon is doing is just further proof. It's not just about filling jobs; it's about building a stronger, more dynamic community from the ground up. If you walk down Main Street in Winkler or Stephen Street in Morden, you see that same spark, that same dedication to building something new. It's why our communities are thriving while others shrink.
That’s the buzz from the Valley. You know, Corinne and the team break down stories like this every morning – catch it live at mornings.live.