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 PCH Workers Call Off Strike
Apr 24, 2024 | 4:53 pm
The union directive for an early morning April 24 strike at the Heritage Life Personal Care Home (HLPCH) in Niverville has been called off. According to the Niverville Heritage Centre’s...
Read moreThe union directive for an early morning April 24 strike at the Heritage Life Personal Care Home (HLPCH) in Niverville has been called off. According to the Niverville Heritage Centre’s...
Read moreRitchot Presents a Review of Budget 2024
Apr 24, 2024 | 9:01 am
On April 17, a public hearing was held to present the RM of Ritchot’s newly endorsed financial plan for 2024. Residents were invited to participate and present questions and concerns. No one...
Read moreOn April 17, a public hearing was held to present the RM of Ritchot’s newly endorsed financial plan for 2024. Residents were invited to participate and present questions and concerns. No one...
Read moreNiverville PCH Braces for Impending Worker Strike
Apr 22, 2024 | 6:18 pm
As early as Wednesday, April 24, unionized staff of the Niverville Heritage Life Personal Care Home (HLPCH) may be on strike. This news was recently relayed to family members and support people...
Read moreAs early as Wednesday, April 24, unionized staff of the Niverville Heritage Life Personal Care Home (HLPCH) may be on strike. This news was recently relayed to family members and support people...
Read moreRecognizing International Mother Earth Day through Education and Action
Apr 22, 2024 | 5:27 pm
April 22 is now recognized around the world as International Mother Earth Day (IMED) and this year marks the third anniversary of the United Nations (UN) designated observance. According to the...
Read moreApril 22 is now recognized around the world as International Mother Earth Day (IMED) and this year marks the third anniversary of the United Nations (UN) designated observance. According to the...
Read moreNiverville 2024 Budget Includes Tax Hike to Support Greater Spending
Apr 19, 2024 | 9:24 am
Niverville’s town council introduced their 2024 budget at a public meeting held on April 16. Residents can expect to see their property taxes go up this year. Council has determined that a 2.5...
Read moreNiverville’s town council introduced their 2024 budget at a public meeting held on April 16. Residents can expect to see their property taxes go up this year. Council has determined that a 2.5...
Read moreCrowd Fills Ritchot Council Chambers Over Livestock Expansion Proposal
Apr 18, 2024 | 7:26 pm
Ritchot’s council chambers were filled to capacity, with overflow into the foyer, at their public meeting held on April 17. The majority of the approximately 60 attendees were there to speak...
Read moreRitchot’s council chambers were filled to capacity, with overflow into the foyer, at their public meeting held on April 17. The majority of the approximately 60 attendees were there to speak...
Read moreProvince Offers Limited Rebate on Property Security Systems
Apr 17, 2024 | 4:17 pm
As part of the NDP’s pledge to help create safer communities, the spring provincial budget includes $500,000 to support homeowners and small businesses who wish to beef up their security. Set...
Read moreAs part of the NDP’s pledge to help create safer communities, the spring provincial budget includes $500,000 to support homeowners and small businesses who wish to beef up their security. Set...
Read moreProvidence College Hit Hard by New International Student Restrictions
Apr 16, 2024 | 4:17 pm
Earlier this year, on January 22, the federal government announced their intent to put a cap on the number of national study permits issued to students seeking to gain a postsecondary education in...
Read moreEarlier this year, on January 22, the federal government announced their intent to put a cap on the number of national study permits issued to students seeking to gain a postsecondary education in...
Read moreShould our schools work harder to ensure that different learning styles are supported through the provision of multiple learning tracks as opposed to single track learning?
For related article, see www.nivervillecitizen.com/...