Stanley Community Pathway connects communities in Manitoba

For generations, residents of Manitoba’s Pembina Valley imagined a safer, more connected way to travel between Winkler and Morden, one that didn’t require navigating busy highways or getting behind the wheel. That long-held vision is now a reality.

Stretching across the Rural Municipality of Stanley, the Stanley Community Pathway is a paved, multi-use route that links these growing communities and invites people to move freely between them. Whether walking or cycling, residents now have a welcoming, off-road option designed for people of all ages and abilities.

Beyond recreation, the pathway serves as a direct connection to everyday destinations. By improving access to workplaces, local services, and the Boundary Trails Health Centre, the pathway supports daily commuting while encouraging active, healthy lifestyles. It provides a safer alternative to travelling alongside high-traffic roadways and helps make active transportation a practical choice, not just a weekend activity.

Building connections through collaboration

The idea for the Stanley Community Pathway has been part of local conversations for many years, championed by municipal leaders, community organizations, and residents alike. As the region continued to grow, so did the need for a reliable active transportation corridor that could keep pace.

Turning that vision into reality required strong collaboration. The cities of Winkler and Morden, the Rural Municipality of Stanley, and community partners worked together to move the project forward. Federal support through the Active Transportation Fund played a crucial role, complementing municipal investments and local fundraising efforts to bring the pathway to life.

From vision to reality

With funding secured, construction moved ahead on the approximately 10-kilometre corridor, creating a continuous and accessible link between communities. Since opening to the public, the pathway has already become part of daily life, used for walking, cycling, and commuting, even as final work continues to add surrounding landscaping and rest areas.

The Stanley Community Pathway shows how thoughtful investment in active transportation can improve safety, promote healthier living, and strengthen regional connections. By linking people to places and to one another, it’s helping build a more connected and sustainable future for the Pembina Valley.

Quick facts

• The Stanley Community Pathway spans approximately 10 kilometres between Winkler and Morden through the Rural Municipality of Stanley.
• The project received a total of over $4 million — $2.1 million in federal funding through the Active Transportation Fund, and over $1.8 million in municipal contributions, local associations, and fundraising efforts.
• In addition to being 10 kilometres long, the trail is also 3 metres wide, offering sufficient space for both cyclists and pedestrians.

For more information

• News release: New pathway to connect Winkler and Morden
• Active Transportation Fund
• Stanley Pathway Community