for schools, recreation, and housing remains high. Hanover’s leadership is hands-on, working closely with developers and residents to ensure that growth aligns with the community’s vision. Community engagement remains a cornerstone of governance, with elected leaders emphasizing the importance of listening to constituents. Esau notes that today’s residents expect a higher level of services and amenities, from waste collection to urban-style recreation. So, beyond economic development, Hanover is also committed to enriching residents’ quality of life. The municipality is responding by modernizing its approach while preserving its rural character. Recreational opportunities have expanded significantly, with a focus on both traditional and emerging sports. “A significant number of people are coming from Winnipeg… so we’re catering to what they’ve experienced in terms of big city recreation,” Lahaie states. While hockey has long been a Hanover staple, soccer’s popularity is surging due to immigrationdriven demographic shifts. Plans are in motion for a FIFA-sized indoor soccer facility that could also host trade shows and agricultural expos. Active transportation is also a priority. While the municipality’s rural layout makes large-scale pedestrian networks challenging, individual LUDs have developed local pathways. The most notable success is the aforementioned paved trail connecting Mitchell to the Rosenthal Nature Park. Additionally, the Tourond Creek Discovery Centre has transformed a former landfill into a thriving wildlife attraction, demonstrating Hanover’s commitment to environmental sustainability. 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 RM OF HANOVER, MB
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