The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce kicked off the 2026 season of Economic Development Tours in Winkler this week, showcasing the growing community’s thriving business, recreation, and manufacturing sectors.
A group of 25+ business, human resources, and tourism leaders joined MCC staff for the journey to Manitoba’s sixth-largest city and one of the fastest-growing communities in the province.
Winkler boasts a diverse economy rooted in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and construction. This one-day tour gave participants an exclusive/behind the scenes look at how local businesses are driving economic growth in the region.
Welcome and Tour of the Meridian Exhibition Centre
Tour participants began the day with a welcome from His Worship Henry Siemens, Mayor of Winkler and Tanya Chateauneuf from the Winkler Chamber of Commerce who brought greetings on behalf of the community. Mayor Siemens emphasized how deeply entwined local businesses are with the broader community, a theme that participants heard repeated at every stop throughout the day.
When asked what he wanted people to know about Winkler, Mayor Siemens shared that Winkler aggressively maintains their community assets, is investing in public utilities like water and wastewater to exceed community needs and keep up with their fast-growing population, in short “We want people to know it’s safe to invest here”.
Participants then toured the Meridian Exhibition Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that houses a fully accessible NHL sized arena, an indoor walking track, and a turf fieldhouse that can be converted into an event hall.
Winkler Member Network Luncheon at Winkler Arts & Culture Centre
The group was then welcomed by the host Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon at the Winkler Arts & Culture Centre which included a panel discussion featuring three local business leaders;
- Andrew Froese, Operations Manager for Lode King
- Dave Kasdorf, Owner and Managing Broker, Choice Realty
- Keith Gislason, CEO, GTP
The panel touched on the challenges, opportunities, and advantages of Winkler. Throughout the discussion the entrepreneurial spirit of the community again emerged as the secret to success across industries in the community.
Thank you to Winkler Chamber of Commerce and Flavours of Mexico for the delicious midday meal.
Triple E RV
The next stop was at Triple E RV, a manufacturer of premium recreational vehicles with a reputation for quality craftsmanship and innovation. Their award-winning RVs are sold across North America and are recognized for their durability, comfort, and design. Triple E RV shared their commitment to detail across all stages of their manufacturing process and how their entire team is empowered to act as inspectors, ensuring quality and attention to detail at every step of the process.
Schnell industries
Schnell Industries was our next host and participants were treated to an overview of the company’s design and manufacturing practices for equipment that helps agricultural producers and commercial operators improve efficiency and productivity. Participants also learned how Schnell has quickly grown from a small home business into a large-scale operation.
ICON Technologies Limited
The final tour of the day was at ICON Technologies, a leading manufacturer of plastic products and advanced building systems. Their innovative products support a wide range of industries and demonstrate Canadian expertise in manufacturing, engineering, and product development. ICON Technologies Limited highlighted their commitment to their customer base, going as far as driving orders overnight across the United States to ensure they reach customers in time.
Closing Connections at Heritage Farms Brewery
To wrap up the day, the group gathered at Heritage Farms Brewery with opportunities to connect on the lessons of the day and continue to build upon relationships with other tour participants.
Why Winkler’s Economic Opportunities Matter
Winkler’s growth story is a clear reminder that regional economic success strengthens all of Manitoba. The innovation, manufacturing capacity, workforce development, and community leadership on display throughout the tour reflect the kinds of opportunities that help businesses expand, build stronger supply chains, and drive long-term provincial growth.
Thank you to the organizations that opened their doors and shared their insights, and to all participants who joined us to explore the partnerships and possibilities shaping Manitoba’s economic future.
Unlock exclusive, behind the scenes access to the communities shaping Manitoba’s economic opportunities as a participant of MCC’s Economic Development Tours.
Join a 2026 Economic Development Tour.
