The city of Morden has hired a Winnipeg firm to come up with a plan for Lake Minnewasta that will enhance its tourism appeal.

Sputnik Architecture has been tasked with developing a strategy for the lake and the area surrounding the popular body of water.

Mayor Brandon Burley says the plan will help solidify Morden's position as a major tourist centre in the Pembina Valley.

"They'll come back with a plan that includes concept drawings for recreational areas, programming, or things like joining the trail down the lake as well as future usage and development to the west, including the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre to integrate that space in one complete, well-conceived plan."

The city has committed $10,000 toward the study which has unlocked an additional $20,000 in funding from the province and other stakeholders, according to Burley.

He says they met with representatives from Sputnik earlier this month to get some of their thoughts on what they envisioned for the lake area.

"It really ties into a strategic goal of council to make Morden a tourism centre for the Pembina Valley in addition to increasing recreation in our community and ensuring water quality for our residents. So, we're very excited about some of the ideas they've brought forward already and we're looking forward to a final schematic plan by the middle of this year."

Burley says council is impressed with Sputnik Architecture's design work at The Forks in Winnipeg and is looking forward to receiving a document that will be both practical and meaningful for Morden.

"We also want something that preserves the area for future generations. It's a fairly substantial commitment that we're making to this schematic plan, not in terms of dollars for the plan, but for investments into that region and we want to make sure that we do it right and this is one way to ensure that we protect our interests there."