The International Peace Garden will soon have a new feature added to the grounds.

The organization plans to erect a 17-storey peace tower by 2020. It will stand one-third taller than previous towers, according to vice-president Dorothy Dobbie.

"It's just a soaring, beautiful tower that I think is very aspirational; it makes us think about the possibilities, and that's what we want here at the Garden," she said.

The structure will have an elevator that will carry visitors to the top and they can overlook the surrounding countryside. A photo of the design has been published on the cover of The Hub magazine, available at the Winnipeg International Airport.

They also plan to complete the west cascade, as it has never been finished. Dobbie estimates the combined projects will total $30 to $50 million.

"We'll be asking for money on both sides of the border, not just from governments though, we do plan to do some private fundraising. We've got some pretty interesting plans which I can't reveal right now, but we're very excited about the possibilities," she said.

Earlier last week the IPG welcomed its newest board member, Arthur-Virden MLA Doyle Piwniuk, who also presented a government cheque for the Garden which will be used for general operating costs.

"We're really thrilled to have Doyle," Dobbie said. "More importantly he has an interest in landscaping and gardening, and he's been a fan of the Garden for many, many years, so we're very, very happy to have him on our side."