Seven existing duplexes are being replaced, with their demolition occurring in late March. Chapman said they were good for their time and served their purpose well. However, they were starting to show their age.
“They were 30-40 years old. We got a lot of use out of them for a long time.”
They are in the process of being replaced by five units. One will be a two bedroom, three will be three bedroom and one will be four bedroom. The CEO said it would give a good balance between communal living for younger workers and a certain amount of privacy for others.
The units are being made by Springhill Lumber in Winnipeg. Work on the foundations is being done on site and the ready to move homes moved onto the property this week. Chapman expects everything will be done for seasonal occupancy by the end of May.
He said they usually have 40 or so seasonal staff working all around the garden. They plant, maintain gardens, work in the shops and do various other jobs. They start coming in May and June, and depending on availability, some stay into early November. The plan was for them to start to arrive this week.
While the construction is ongoing, the workers will be staying in the different dormitories that housed students in different areas like the International Music Camp. Traditionally, facilities were shared off and on. Once everything is done to make the new units habitable, they will transition over.
The cost of the project is around $950,000 US, coming from a larger grant from the Province of Manitoba and State of North Dakota.
There will be ongoing work on the housing, as these units will be winterized. This means trenching so they can eventually bury the waterlines. Chapman said they are looking to do this in the fall.
The idea is to add post-summer life to the cabins. The Peace Garden has long sought to expand into different seasons, and there are activities outside and in during the winter months. As Chapman explained, the new units could house visitors during the colder months, they could utilize the spaces this unique attraction offers.
“The nice thing about these five housing units is that they can be used to make us more four season,” said Chapman. “We can rent them out to snowshoers and skiers. This could be for families, or small groups who hold events, who can stay in their own little village.”
He added they are looking to get a groomer to keep their ski trails in good shape during the winter months, and the conservatory, with its cacti and succulents, is open to be experienced during the colder weather. They have observed the interest in the nearby Turtle Mountain Provincial Park for visitors, now this could be a boon for them.
Overall, Chapman said they are quite happy with the progress they have made thus far, and are looking forward to all that it will bring in the future.
“We’re pretty excited with what is happening. It is great value for our staff and for people staying off-season in the garden.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff