Geography

Census Division No.16 is located within the Parkland region of Manitoba, and is approximately 150 kilometres northwest of the City of Brandon (second largest urban centre in Manitoba). The area borders onto Duck Mountain Provincial Park in the north, Riding Mountain National Park to the southeast, while the Province of Saskatchewan serves as a western border to the area. The area's rolling terrain, Aessippi Provincial Park and the Shellmouth Dam, also contribute to the wonderful natural surroundings. The Yellowhead Route 16 and Provincial Trunk Highways 5 and 45 serve as major east-west transportation routes, while Provincial Trunk Highways 83 serves as major north-south route. The 1996 population of this Census Division was 10,690. The Census Division area is made up of the Towns of Roblin, Rossburn and Russell, the Village of Binscarth, and the Rural Municipalities of Hillsburg, Park, Rossburn, Russell, Shell River, Shellmouth-Boulton and Silver Creek.

Economic Base

Diversification and value-added businesses play an important role in the area's economy. Grains and oilseeds are being joined by specialty crops such as coriander and hemp, while livestock production includes buffalo, elk and fallow deer alongside the traditional cattle and hogs. As with agri-business, residents involved in other industries have recognized the benefits of adding value to products locally, and have responded in true entrepreneurial fashion. Light manufacturing, from specialty cattle handling devices to wild rice harvesters, adds further diversity to local communities across the area. The urban centres within the area serve as retail service centres to surrounding residents and farming families. The beautiful parks and natural scenery, and events and activities around the region also support a thriving tourist and service industry.

Major Private Employers in Area

• CanAmera Foods (Russell) - canola crushing and refining
• Parkway CO-OP (Roblin) - groceries and fuel
• Roblin Forest Products - lumber
• North forest products
• Gaber's (Roblin) - farm equipment
• Cardeager Ford (Roblin) - car dealership
• St. Vladimir's College (Shell River)
• Roblin Auction Mart (Shell River) - livestock sales
• Pizzey Milling and Banking (Silver Creek) - Flax Bread Products
• Cross-Town Motors (Shell River) - car dealership
• Crosstown Motors (Roblin) - car dealership
• Roblin Credit Union
• Mitchell's Drug Store (Roblin) - pharmacy

Major Public Sector Employers

• Roblin District Health Centre
• Manitoba Agriculture
• Russell Health Centre
• Pelly Trail School Division
• Municipal Government

Major Attractions

Some of the many attractions in the area include:

• Asessippi Provincial Park
• Duck Mountain Provincial Park
• Riding Mountain National Park
• Rossburn Summer Festival - second weekend in July
• Roblin Fair and Indoor Rodeo - third weekend in August
• Roblin Golf and Country Club
• Shellmouth Dam
• Inglis Grain Elevators
• For more information on major attractions, festivals and events in the area go directly to the Quality of Life section of this profile .