As part of Canada 150 celebrations, the City of Winkler unveiled new basketball courts this weekend in Pine Ridge.

While original plans aimed to refurbish existing courts by Garden Valley Collegiate, Walter Giesbrecht said the opportunity in Pine Ridge worked out better financially for the City.

He added, "Our hope all along is that it will be as good as anything you would find in Winnipeg or anywhere else. It is elite as far as basketball courts go."

Future improvements are planned, including benches, lighting and adding a rubberized coating to the ground.

Giesbrecht thanked Mark Hamm, the City of Winkler and local businesses for their effort in making the project a success.