December 2025 Economic Development Update:
As we wrap up another busy and rewarding year, it’s a great time to look back at the progress we’ve made together as a community. From supporting local businesses and welcoming new entrepreneurs, to promoting our beautiful landscapes and strengthening community programs, this past year was filled with meaningful steps forward. Here’s a snapshot of the initiatives that helped shape a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant Sunrise Corner region for all of us.
Economic Development
This year was filled with exciting progress as we worked to strengthen our local business community and open the door to future opportunities. One of the biggest milestones was completing the regional Investment Attraction Strategy, which now gives us a clear roadmap for encouraging new development, supporting business expansion, and exploring ways to add more housing options in the region.
We also spent a lot of time connecting with local entrepreneurs—new and established. From meeting new business owners to helping others explore marketing ideas, business planning, or succession options, the goal was simple: make sure our local businesses feel supported and able to thrive. Our partnership with the Piney Regional Chamber of Commerce continued to bring people together through a monthly speaker series, welcome kits for newcomers, and networking opportunities that help spark new ideas and collaboration. The PRCC Youth Entrepreneur Challenge provided business mentorship to young people in our region.
All of this work directly benefits Sunrise Corner by keeping essential services close to home, creating local jobs, and helping our region stay vibrant and resilient.
Tourism Development
Tourism continued to grow in exciting ways this year as we showcased the best of what makes our area special. Through the Shared Legacy Partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we moved forward on several meaningful projects—including new regional signage, community engagement, and a report to the community that highlights how the initiative supports nature, culture and the local economy. Watch for these projects to be finalized in early 2026.
We proudly took part in parades, festivals, and markets across the region, sharing local stories and promoting tourism businesses. A highlight this year was nominating Nature Norm Gregoire as the recipient of the Nature Award from Recreation Manitoba for his tours in the tall-grass prairie, activities with school groups, and work with landowners in stewarding this unique landscape we call home.
Tourism brings energy, pride, and economic benefits to Sunrise Corner, helping support restaurants, shops, accommodations, and community events. Every visitor we welcome helps strengthen our region.
Community Development
Supporting strong, healthy communities remained a big focus this year. We continued working with the South East Community Services Co-op as they explore an assisted living housing solution for local residents. We also assisted numerous community groups with grant applications for projects like playgrounds, trail improvements, event spaces, and cultural initiatives.
These efforts help ensure Sunrise Corner remains an incredible place to live—welcoming, active, and full of opportunities for people of all ages.
Thank you to everyone—residents, volunteers, businesses, and community partners—for your support and collaboration this year. I’m excited to continue working together in the year ahead!
Monique Chenier
monique@sunrisecornermb.ca