Geography

Census Division No. 15 is located in western Manitoba north of the City of Brandon (2nd largest urban centre in Manitoba). The northern boundary of the area is bordered by Riding Mountain National Park, while the Province of Saskatchewan serves as a western border to the area. Yellowhead Route 16 is a major east-west route with Provincial Trunk Highways 5, 10, 21, 41 and 83 serving as major north-south.

The 1996 population of this Census Division was 22,475 and includes the towns of Birtle, Erickson, Hamiota, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Rapid City and Shoal Lake, the Village of St. Lazare, and the Rural Municipalities of Archie, Birtle, Blanshard, Clanwilliam, Ellice, Hamiota, Harrison, Langford, Miniota, Minto, Odanah, Rosedale, Saskatchewan, Shoal Lake and Strathclair.

Economic Base

Much of the area is actively involved in agriculture. The area's economy is boosted by many mixed farms and livestock operations. Cereal grains and oilseeds are the main crops, but small amounts of specialty crops are grown. The beautiful scenery, events and activities around the region also support a thriving tourism and service industry.

Major Attractions

Some of the many attractions in the area include: