Dawson Trail Dispatch
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Manitoba Government Reopens Whiteshell Natural History Museum After 8 Year Closure
September 2025
La Broquerie Council Requests Province to Resurface Rue Principale By Dan Guetre
The museum was reopened with several new features, while incorporating elements of the original site, such as the fireplace, chimney and the classroom building. Submitted photo
The Manitoba government has completed construction of the Whiteshell Natural History Museum at Nutimik Lake, officially reopening the site. “The Whiteshell Natural History Museum was a must-see for thousands of visitors each summer,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “After being closed for many years, our government is proud to announce the opening of a new museum and interpretive programming space to once again welcome Whiteshell visitors, residents and cottagers.”
Originally constructed in 1959, the museum featured a large collection of animal mounts of local wildlife, many donated by local Whiteshell residents and cottagers. The museum closed in 2017. The Manitoba government invested $2.2 million to reopen the museum with several new features, while incorporating elements of the original site, such as the fireplace, chimney and the classroom building, the minister noted. The museum includes a new reception building, washrooms, amphitheatre and a covered exhibition space, Continued on Page 2...
The RM of La Broquerie council is pushing for long-awaited improvements to rue Principale, the community’s main thoroughfare, after passing a resolution at a recent meeting to request resurfacing from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MIT). The resolution highlights the deteriorating condition of the road between PR 210 North and PTH 52 — a one-mile stretch at the heart of La Broquerie. The LUD of La Broquerie Committee recommended council make the request, which council supported unanimously. Council authorized the Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a letter, signed by Reeve Ivan Normandeau, to be sent to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. Residents and commuters have raised concerns about the state of the road. Normandeau acknowledged the issue, noting, “Principale has some very rough patches so it’s time to get new resurfacing.” The decision to move forward was not only about the current condition of the road, but also about planning ahead. “Yes this was brought up by our LUD and council supported this decision. We understand that we need to put this on the radar of MIT if we expect to have the work done,” said Normandeau. As for what council hopes to see next, Normandeau was direct: “Hoping they will start next year. Wait and see.”