The Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet is found in Eastern Manitoba, and is situated approximately 105 kilometres northeast of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg. The municipality is conveniently reached along Provincial Trunk Highway 11. Lac du Bonnet is situated at the junction of rich southern prairie farmland, and the beautiful boreal forests of Eastern Manitoba. The rich boreal forests and the lake itself, provide excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting and nature trails. During the summer months, the stable population of approximately 2,280 residents swells to a size of approximately 20,000 cottage owners, tourists, and nature lovers.
History
The Rural Municipality was officially incorporated in 1917, however the history of the area extends far before this time period. Lac du Bonnet's history dates back as early as the La Verendrye era. Because of the bonnet shaped lake, La Verendrye appropriately named the region surrounding the lake, Lac du Bonnet.
The first settlement in Lac du Bonnet was called Eureka. The Lac du Bonnet Development Company was formed in 1896 to prospect minerals and log timber in the area. Owning land up to north of Seven Sisters, the company was a large influence on the development of the area.
With the CPR line built in 1901, the shipping of timber and fuel wood to Winnipeg by lumberyards in the region helped fuel the growing economy in Lac du Bonnet. A sawmill operated in the Lac du Bonnet area in 1901 with its lumber being shipped to Winnipeg.
The early population in Lac du Bonnet comprised of French-Canadians and Metis. After the railway, there came a varied immigration of Ukrainians, Polish, Swedish, Norwegians, Finnish and Latvians from Russia, in search of cheap land and a better future.
In 1924, the CNR line was completed from Winnipeg to Pine Falls, helping further the growth of the municipality with the construction of the Pine Falls and other Hydro dams in the early 1920's.
Economic Base
The R.M.'s economy is strongly based on agriculture, and features small grain and oil seed production. Mining, forestry and tourism are also economically strong in the municipality. The Tantalum Mining Corporation (TANCO) and Cold Springs Granite operations, are two of the most prominent employers in the region.
Prospective business people will find the R.M. attractive with two commercial subdivisions existing, a quarter section of land zoned for industrial use, and a subdivision containing 20-acres available for commercial use found along Highway 11.
Major Attractions
Lac du Bonnet boasts over 60 kilometres of waterways within its boundaries! Lac du Bonnet is also one of the best popular fishing regions in Manitoba. Widely known as being a paradise for bird watching, the region boasts over 300 species of birds found along the Winnipeg River.
Swimming, boating, water-skiing, baseball and slo-pitch are popular summer activities enjoyed by locals and many summer cottagers and campers. Winter is also an active time with many activities including snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
