WINNIPEG, MB
According to a recent Statistics Canada estimate, the City of Winnipeg now has a population of just over 850,000 Friesens.
“And growing,” said mayor Scott Gillingham, one of just three individuals in the city that doesn’t have the surname Friesen.
The rapid growth of Friesens, however, has put a strain on several sectors, including golden syrup and cottage cheese production.
“We’re on track to reach 1 million Friesens by the year 2046,” said Gillingham. “At that point I’ll be legally required to change my name if I want to stay on as mayor.”
The Friesens originated in 1920s North Kildonan and gradually took over the city.
“Some of them even spread out to places like Altona,” said Gillingham. “We hope they’ll come back. It’s my goals as mayor to make this city a place that’s attractive for all Friesens.”
Winnipeg is thought to have the 2nd largest Friesen population in the world, right after Loma Plata, Paraguay.
