An enchanted forest is coming to La Broquerie next year.

Luke Thiessen runs Frontier Events with his family and plans to open a family-friendly event center at 46081 Tetrault Road, two miles from the golf course.

At last week’s council meeting, the RM of La Broquerie approved a conditional use to allow the development of the event center on the 40-acre property.

Thiessen reported that the event center will primarily feature a family-friendly enchanted forest known as the Maywood Enchanted Forest.

The enchanted forest will have approximately five kilometers of walking trails with decorative scenes, interactive activities and costumed actors.

Everything on the site will have a medieval fantasy theme.

“So from the moment you leave the car park, you’ll be transported into a magical world. And the goal behind everything we’re doing and focusing on the medieval fantasy theme is to provide an active alternative to video games.”

Thiessen said there are very few active alternatives for kids who aren’t interested in sports, and Frontier Events is trying to change that.

“Our programming caters to gamers of all ages and allows them to experience the genres and activities they enjoy, leaving screens behind and still learning the values ​​of teamwork, perseverance and physical activity.”

They will work on major holidays like Christmas and Halloween.

“We will also offer a variety of summer programs, including day camps for kids, weekend camps for families and one-day events during the summer.”

He said the enchanted forest will bring children, families and young adults from all over southern Manitoba, as well as some tourists from neighboring provinces and northern states.

“These visitors will bring increased revenue to local businesses, including the gas station, campgrounds, restaurants and hotel. We aim to collaborate with local businesses and the RM for the betterment of the community.”

Thiessen said the event center will start by hiring about 16 temporary employees during seasonal periods.

“Once it grows, we could be looking at up to 30 employees during peak season and then up to half a dozen full-time employees.”

Thiessen noted that the Enchanted Forest will typically close around 10 p.m., depending on the event, and the property is fully fenced, with some fence repairs needed.

He also talked to some neighbors.

“The neighbors that are to the west of us, we have a pretty good relationship with them and they know all about what we want to do. The gentleman who owns the property to the north of us, I have spoken to him as well.”

RM received no concerns or objections from neighbors.

Thiessen said noise would probably be the biggest potential complaint because there could be actors singing, families laughing and music, yet it’s a 40-acre property.

“So there’s a lot of room for that noise to be diluted, it’s forested.”

Their plan is to start holding some small events on the property next summer, with the Maywood Enchanted Forest officially opening next October.