Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/7/2012 (3012 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canada Day wasn’t the only special event celebrated in Osborne Village this afternoon -- a presentation ceremony was held to honour the unique Winnipeg area as Canada’s Great Neighbourhood for 2012.

The title is awarded each year as part of the Canadian Institute of Planners’ (CIP) Great Places Canada contest and the winning neighbourhood is selected by a CIP panel.

"Osborne Village is most deserving of Canada’s Great Neighbourhood title," said Mayor Sam Katz. "Osborne Village is an example of a neighbourhood that works, as one of Canada’s most densely-populated areas, with an eclectic mix of people and businesses, and a clear identity. This national recognition is truly worth celebrating."

The award plaque was presented by CIP Manitoba representative, Donovan Toews, and accepted by Jenny Gerbasi, City of Winnipeg Councillor for Fort Rouge - East Fort Garry.

"We are thrilled that Osborne Village has been nationally recognized as Canada’s Great Neighbourhood," said Gerbasi. "This Great Places Canada award will let people from across the globe know what Winnipeggers have always known—that Osborne Village is a place you just have to visit. With eclectic eateries, funky shops, a vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of community spirit, there is something for everyone in Osborne Village."

Osborne Village was one of 22 entries for the Canada’s Great Neighborhood category in this year’s Great Places Canada contest.

"There are so many Great Places in Canada! High quality entries came from big cities, small towns and all spaces in between. Urban, rural, commercial, residential, green space, historic, modern – there was a bit of everything," said Jill Collinson, a Masters student at the University of Manitoba with a focus in researching rural regional growth management and a CIP selection panel member.

A permanent Osborne Village location for the plaque to be displayed will be determined in the near future.

For more information on the Canadian Institute of Planners’ Great Places Canada contest, visit http://www.cip-icu.ca.