Skating and sliding are without question two favourite winter activities in these parts. It’s just that most of us prefer to do them on a local rink or toboggan hill, not on a provincial highway. So it comes as no surprise that a healthy number of Manitobans are choosing to take advantage of Manitoba Public Insurance’s Winter Tire Program.
The initiative is designed to make it easier and more economical to outfit your personal vehicles with winter tires. According to Brenda Sawatzky of Sparkline Autoworks in Niverville, the program is making a difference.
“MPI is doing a pretty good job of advertising,” says Sawatzky. “We’ve been impressed.”
The program provides low interest financing, prime plus two percent, to eligible Manitobans toward the purchase of winter tires and associated costs. They will finance you for up to $2,000 per vehicle and you can spread your payments out from 1 to 4 years.
“The program is pretty straightforward,” says Evan Wachtendorf of Sparkline. “All customers have to do is come see us. We’ll give them the options, explain them, and make sure they’re eligible for the program.”
Sawatzky and her husband Al recently sold Sparkline to long-time employee Will Elliot, but she’s seen firsthand the growth in the winter tire market. “We just put winter tires on our vehicle for the first time 10 years ago. It’s quite amazing how far winter tires have come.”
Winter tires give drivers better control in colder climates by providing superior traction.
“Winter tires have softer compound rubber, which in colder weather helps conform to the road to maintain full contact with the road,” explains Wachtendorf.
“No question they make a difference,” adds Sawatzky. “This is an excellent program. A great way to get more people driving winter tires. That makes everybody safer on the road.”
The MPI website lists two eligible retailers in Niverville: McNaughton Mechanical Service at 120 Cedar Drive and Sparkline Autoworks at 20 Cedar Drive.
Niverville’s Council Talks Multifamily Housing and Density Targets
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On Tuesday, May 7, Niverville’s council met for a morning public meeting that largely revolved around multifamily housing starts and the town’s requirement to meet specific density targets set...
Read moreOn Tuesday, May 7, Niverville’s council met for a morning public meeting that largely revolved around multifamily housing starts and the town’s requirement to meet specific density targets set...
Read moreManitoba Wildfire Risk Still High, Warn Officials
May 06, 2024 | 6:24 pm
Despite a week of generally wet weather across the province, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) is warning Manitobans that the risk of wildfires remains high. According to the OFC, there...
Read moreDespite a week of generally wet weather across the province, the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) is warning Manitobans that the risk of wildfires remains high. According to the OFC, there...
Read moreLet the Battle Begin: Introducing the Niverville Pizza Wars
May 03, 2024 | 9:34 am
The Niverville Pizza Wars are set to take place May 3–10. The Niverville Chamber of Commerce has welcomed all pizzerias and restaurants in Niverville to compete in the friendly one-week...
Read moreThe Niverville Pizza Wars are set to take place May 3–10. The Niverville Chamber of Commerce has welcomed all pizzerias and restaurants in Niverville to compete in the friendly one-week...
Read moreDentist Opt-In Low for New Federal Dental Care Plan
May 02, 2024 | 2:23 pm
In December 2023, the federal government began rolling out a new publicly funded dental care plan, intended to make oral healthcare more accessible to lower income earners across the country. So...
Read moreIn December 2023, the federal government began rolling out a new publicly funded dental care plan, intended to make oral healthcare more accessible to lower income earners across the country. So...
Read moreSummer Street Repairs Soon Underway in Niverville
May 01, 2024 | 6:37 pm
It wouldn’t be summer in Manitoba without street construction crews redirecting traffic or slowing down the daily commute. At least one major repair and a variety of minor repairs are planned for...
Read moreIt wouldn’t be summer in Manitoba without street construction crews redirecting traffic or slowing down the daily commute. At least one major repair and a variety of minor repairs are planned for...
Read moreTim’s Smile Cookie Campaign to Boost Mobility Van Project
May 01, 2024 | 4:54 pm
From April 29 until May 5, Tim Hortons is running their annual Smile Cookie fundraiser. This year, the Niverville location at 20 Drovers Run is raising money to aid in the purchase of two new...
Read moreFrom April 29 until May 5, Tim Hortons is running their annual Smile Cookie fundraiser. This year, the Niverville location at 20 Drovers Run is raising money to aid in the purchase of two new...
Read moreTalk to the Tail Opens Expansive New Facility
May 01, 2024 | 1:12 pm
Talk to the Tail, a dog daycare facility in Niverville, is about to expand to a second location. The 5,000-square-foot building at 455 Wittick Street, in the Niverville Industrial Park, has been...
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Read moreHSD Trustees Face Scrutiny Following New Discrimination Allegations
Apr 30, 2024 | 4:41 pm
For the second time since 2016, the Hanover School Division’s (HSD) trustees are under fire over accusations of discrimination. In both of the cases, the concerns revolve around the division’s...
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For related article, see www.nivervillecitizen.com/...