A newly formed committee in Altona is hoping to get some suggestions from local residents on how the community should mark Canada's 150th birthday.

The federal government has set aside funding for communities across Canada to assist them in celebrating the special anniversary in 2017.

Town councillor Al Friesen says the Canada 1-50 committee is rather ad hoc at this point, and they'd like more participation from local citizens.

"We have a funding deadline of October for some federal dollars and we would like to put together a plan of some things we'd like to do that would celebrate the event and also draw attention to what we do here in Altona."

The federal funding is for programming purposes only, and does not include capital projects.

According to Friesen, there are four main criteria the government wants communities to try and cover when applying for program funding. That criteria includes the environment, diversity, inclusiveness and a recognition of Canada's indigenous people.

"We're in an area of Manitoba where we can reach out to First Nations people and we also have many new Canadians living here, so I think there are some natural partnerships here."

Friesen adds the committee is open to ideas from residents on how they think Altona should celebrate the country's 150th.