Two Dauphin projects figured prominently in the tabling of Budget 2026 in the Manitoba Legislature, last week.

The budget document drew attention to the Dauphin Centre for Community Justice, with a promise of $7 million to break ground on the $142 million project this fiscal year, as well as a commitment of $1.5 million for Northgate Trails, to allow for the expansion of the network, with an eye toward integration of the system with the northern escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park.

For Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn, the justice centre announcement is a bright light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.

“I think we have nightmares about what was done a number of years ago by the previous government. I’m so very proud that our government sees the importance of working with the justice facility. We know there’s a shortage in the area,” Kostyshyn said.

“I think what we’re going to be seeing is a modernized version of a justice facility to work with individuals and, hopefully, correct some of the challenges they face.”

Kostyshyn views the justice centre as one of the largest opportunities for development, not only in the region, but in the province as a whole, and he is pleased to see the project get underway in the community in 2026.

“The latest I got is the documents are being designed and going out for tender darn quick. Things just don’t happen too quick, but the intent is to, hopefully, put some shovels in ground or get some movement. But it’s happening, there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

The province’s commitment to the expansion of the Northgate Trail System is another source of pride for Kostyshyn, considering the benefits the project unlocks.

“What’s going to be one of the greatest things that’s going to be specifically for the tourism industry is the continuation of the Northgate Trail,” he said.

“I don’t think people have any idea what opportunities that will have in the future for  us. It’s hard to believe Dauphin will be one of the unique locations for such a bike trail, actually internationally. In a perfect world, competitions could be held because of the trail.”

The out-of-box thinking that went into supporting Northgate is the approach the province is taking when it comes to being innovative and seizing opportunities to create economic development and economic growth.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.