service town with an increasing focus on tourism and outdoor recreation, offering a balance between rugged wilderness and modern amenities. Mayor Colleen Smook reflects on what makes the town special, describing it as “a very unique community” that offers something for everyone. “If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, we have a great little ski hill, Mystery Mountain, just north of us, and Paint Lake and Sask Rapids to the south. Pichu Falls, the highest falls in Manitoba, is another hidden gem nearby.” Her pride in Thompson’s natural surroundings is apparent, as she lists the abundance of snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing opportunities in winter. As the conversation shifts to the development of green spaces within Thompson, Mayor Smook talks about the town’s continued investment in recreation. Each of the six main areas—Eastwood, Burntwood, Westwood, Southwood, Juniper, and Riverside—has its own park, with some featuring water parks for children. One standout is the $900,000 basketball park in the Burntwood/Deerwood area, built through a partnership between Canadian Tire and the Jumpstart program. “We’re all about working with partners to expand what we can offer,” she says, highlighting the community’s collaborative efforts. Thompson’s appeal isn’t limited to nature and outdoor sports. It is also a regional hub for healthcare and essential services. However, Smook acknowledges that this infrastructure is currently “lacking a little bit” and is a work in progress. Still, Thompson’s role as the area’s service center is vital, primarily because it has hosted two sets of Winter Games in the past and has been asked to host again in 2026—an ode to the town’s growing prominence. But even with these accolades and natural attractions, Thompson is still evolving, especially in terms of community spirit. Mayor Smook points out that before COVID-19, there was a noticeable lack of unity in the town.“I can see that starting to happen now. We have a lot more kids and youth involved in activities, and we’re seeing more older residents, too. We’re doing what we can to attract people and keep them here,” she says. 281 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 THOMPSON, MB
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx