A campaign is underway at Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach geared towards paying down debt, making repairs and adding a new structure.

Barry Dyck says this development initiative is called "Foundations For A Strong Future." He notes the leading element is construction of a summer pavilion, or three season open building that will replace the existing tent providing space for the education program, corporate and family meetings and picnics. It will also provide overflow seating and washrooms for the Livery Barn Restaurant and a venue for festival entertainment.

Dyck is hoping to put shovel in the ground on this project in the fall of 2016 in order to be ready for a May 1, 2017 opening. He says once complete, it will replace their big white tent which has not proven to be a good investment. Dyck says the wind blows that tent over once or twice every year. Constructing the summer pavilion will cost about $1 million.

Dyck notes the oldest building on the grounds and the first one ever moved there is the Waldheim House (right inset). He says this building is in desperate need of significant repairs. Dyck notes restoring the log structure and thatched roof will cost between $250,000 - $300,000. The other building needing repair work is in the 25 year old Village Centre. Dyck says at a cost of $250,000 - $300,000, that building is in need of new climate control equipment.

In order to pull off their Foundations campaign, Dyck says they need to raise about $3 million.

"In addition to the capital projects that we've talked about, we're also looking to finish paying off our debt and we're eager to add a little bit to our endowment fund," notes Dyck. This is all included in that $3 million total.

Furthermore, he says the board recognizes that there will be other smaller projects that will come up and buildings needing restoration work over the next year and a portion of the money raised will help in that regard.

Dyck says he is optimistic the funds will come in. Not only has the museum already received $1 million in pledges but federal funding has been made available and the museum also received a bequest awhile back.