The Town of Dunrea’s 1200 pound statue of Cabrea the Snow Goose will be getting his feather groomed next summer, thanks to funding from the Heritage Grant Program.

The Dunrea Flea Market Committee erected the giant goose sculpture on the southern edge of the town of Dunrea (in the RM of Priarie Lakes) in 2000 to commemorate the flight path of the Canadian Snow Goose.  Dunrea is in the centre of the North American goose flyway, and in following the direction of seasonal flight, community members turn Cabrea the giant Snow Goose towards the current seasonal direction; North in the Spring, and South in the Fall.

The mascot’s name ‘Cabrea’ comes from joining two community names together, Cabri in Saskatchewan and Dunrea in Manitoba, both of which are in the direct flight path of the Snow Goose.   These geese have been documented to migrate through both of the areas since the late 1880’s, the early beginnings of the village of Dunrea. Bone Lake, three miles northeast of Dunrea, is a favorite stop for many a flock!

Local spokesperson, Rhonda Beare, says after 20 years since it’s construction it was time for new paint to brighten it up once again, and the grant funding is very much appreciated.

“We have a fellow coming in who will have to sand it down before painting it and make sure there is no structural damage,” says Beare.  “I think we’ll probably have to wait until next summer to work on the statue.”

According to their news release, grant funding will be used to refurbish ‘Cabrea’ to its original beauty and make the area appealing for all to stop, take a rest, have a picnic and enjoy the serenity of the countryside and historical significance of Dunrea, MB.

Dunrea is located next to what was once the CN Railway that had been built in 1898, officially opening in 1900.  This quaint village had many thriving businesses and stores and even its own jail and constable over the years.   A significant community focal point is the Saint Felix Parish Church, established in 1887 by Father Felix Turcotte.  It still stands as a strong tribute of times in the late 1800’s. 

The province approved $130,000 in funding through the Heritage Grant Program and $11,000 will flow to projects in the Westman region.

Friends of Spruce Woods will use $5,000 for interpretive panels, $2,000 will be used to refurbish the Dunrea snow goose monument and the Turtle Mountain-Souris Plains Heritage Association picked up $4,000 dollars to research local history.

“These grants provide funding support so organizations and communities can carry out projects that might not be possible from their general budgets,” Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox said. “This funding helps them take on special projects that will further improve the service they provide all Manitobans.”