The Ox Cart Station has become an important hub for the community of Oak Lake, and this past summer they received $18,000 through Red River Mutual Insurance's granting initiative, 'Spruce Up Your Story' to help upgrade their community centre.  A recent news release from Red River Mutual Insurance brought attention to this project, so we spoke with a member of the RM of Sifton to tell us more about their project.

Rachelle Stanage is the Recreation Director for the RM of Sifton. “We’re just really excited that we’re going to be able to do all of the projects that we had on our list and that we’re going to be able to make this building the dream that we see it to be,” shares Stanage. 

The Ox Cart Station was originally a church that since closed and the building was gifted back to the RM of Sifton, who then gifted it to the he Community Regional Development Board (CDB) to be used as a community centre.

Through upgrading their building, Oak Lake residents can participate in new community and learning initiatives. In this community space, the RM of Sifton plans to offer programming for all ages and demographics. Some events that have already begun include Mommy and Me, Summer Camp, Food and Safety Course, and a First Aide and CPR Course. The Ox Cart Station also hosts events, such as the local Winter Festival and Family Fun Day, plus, local businesses have been using the space for meetings,' 

Stanage says they're still working on building repairs and upgrades which include 'creating accessible washrooms, adding a sidewalk and ramp, updating signage, adding a veranda, updating flooring and windows in the main room, plus basic repair and maintenance. A lot of the community still see this building as what it was, not what it is. Changing the look will allow for people to see the new beginnings and opportunities this building has. Safety and efficiency are further reasons to the building fixed up.'

"Our Community Development Board' is a group of people who volunteers in our community, so for a group like Red River Mutual to be able to give an opportunity like that makes a huge difference for us because then we're able to bring the building to what we want it to be," she adds.

A total of 10 gathering spaces at the heart of Manitoban and Saskatchewan communities were given a facelift as winners of the 'Spruce Up Your Story' initiative this past summer.