Toronto might be the centre of the universe, but Tache, Manitoba is the centre of the country. Now there's a new tourist attraction to mark it.

The Mayor of Tache says their Centre Of Canada Park is starting to take shape.

The park is being built along the Trans Canada Highway, just east of where it intersects Provincial Road 206, north of Landmark at the longitudinal centre of Canada.

Robert Rivard says a committee of citizens from Tache is working on setting up the park. Currently, there is a large sign in place and a parking lot. Phase one will also include some picnic tables, green space and trees.

According to Rivard, when the park was first discussed, there were big plans for the space. But he says it was much too much to do at once and he thinks it is because they scaled back their plans that the park is now taking shape.

Phase one of the project will cost about $20,000. Rivard says most of the expenses are being covered by fundraising. Manitoba Hydro is donating trees and Rivard says the municipality is chipping in by allowing staff to do some of the work on company time.

Rivard says by Canada's 150th birthday on July 1st of this year, there should be a couple of picnic tables and a groomed area with a nice grass patch. Then August 17 they will host a grand opening. Rivard says there is a lot of interest from dignitaries wanting to attend and he says they will also be sending invitations to the Prime Minister and Governor General.

Once complete, Rivard says he sees this Centre Of Canada Park becoming a tourist stop for a lot of people. With 65 acres there, he says it could be there will one day be a convenience store, gas station or restaurant at that site.

According to Rivard, this park will be a great chance to develop a tourist opportunity and commemorate the centre of Canada.

"If you are on one side of the sign you are an easterner and the other side you're a westerner," Rivard jokes.

He notes the space will also commemorate the Metis and Aboriginal explorers that first came through the area.

"It will be something that people can stop and learn about how Canada was developed moving west," says Rivard.