Geography

Census Division No.20 is located within the Parkland region of Manitoba approximately 230 kilometres northwest of the City of Dauphin. The area is bordered by Swan Lake on the east, the Province of Saskatchewan on the west, Red Deer Lake and Lake Winnipegosis on the north and Duck Mountain Provincial Park to the south.

The Swan Valley is one of the most picturesque and fertile areas of Manitoba, nestled between the Duck Mountains and the Porcupine Mountains. Provincial Trunk Highways 10 & 20 serve as major east-west transportation routes, while Provincial Trunk Highways 10 & 83 serve as major north-south routes.

The 1996 population of this Census Division was 11,445. The Census Division area is made up of the Towns of Minitonas and Swan River, the Villages of Benito and Bowsman, and the Rural Municipalities of Minitonas, Mountain and Swan River.

Economic Base

The economic base of the area lies within many industries. There is a thriving agriculture industry; almost fifty percent of the surrounding area is under cultivation. Most is seeded to grains and oilseeds, but many producers are diversifying to specialty crops. There are also many mixed farms producing cattle, dairy, hogs, pigs and other more unique animals.

There is also a large and prosperous forestry industry. Recreation and tourism also play an important role in the economy. Many hotels and motels provide accommodations to the hundreds of visitors travelling to Swan Valley each year to enjoy the scenery and activities available.

Major Private Employers in Area

• Louisianna Pacific (Minnitonas) - OSB Plant
• Swan Valley CO-OP (Swan River) - groceries
• Northern Specialties (Swan River) - hardware
• Powell Motors (Swan River) - General Motors auto dealership
• Nykoliashyn Farm Equipment (Swan River) - farm equipment
• River Valley Equipment (Swan River) - farm equipment
• Farmo Motors (Swan River) - Ford auto dealership
• Swan Valley Building Supplies (Swan River) - building supplies
• Kelsey Farm Equipment (Swan River) - farm equipment

Major Public Sector Employers

• Swan River Hospital
• Swan Valley School Division
• Benito Health Centre
• Municipal Government

Major Attractions

Some of the many attractions in the area include:

• Duck Mountain Provincial Park
• Porcupine Mountains
• Swan Valley Stampede
• Snowmobiling
• For more information on major attractions, festivals and events in the area go directly to the Quality of Life section of this profile.