The Town of Powerview-Pine Falls is situated in eastern Manitoba on the banks of the Winnipeg River. The town is located on Provincial Trunk Highway 11 and is approximately 132 kilometres northeast of Manitoba's capital city of Winnipeg. The town has a population of approximately 755 residents and is growing in size. Geographically, Powerview-Pine Falls is situated in rugged wilderness. The forests surrounding the Winnipeg River form a strong background to the town.
History
Powerview-Pine Falls is a very young community. Powerview-Pine Falls was officially incorporated as a town in 1951. However, the history of the surrounding Winnipeg River area dates back to the late eighteenth century. The area around Powerview-Pine Falls was settled early, with the sons of the explorer La Verendrye establishing Fort Maurepas at the mouth of the Winnipeg River. The North West Company built a trading post in the mid 1760's, with the Hudson Bay Company following suit at Fort Alexander in 1818. Early settlements sprang up around 1737 in the surrounding area.
The region's rich forests and the Winnipeg River drew the attention of entrepreneurs who sought possible locations for paper mills and hydro dams at the turn of the century. Construction of a newsprint mill in nearby Pinefalls attracted a large workforce into the area.
Powerview-Pine Falls was originally known as "Tin town" in the early century. This was due to the numerous ramshackle shacks and buildings thrown together to accommodate the large influx of construction and mill workers.
Construction of the nearby hydro plant drew in a large number of workers, and created the need for a more permanent settlement. The Town of Powerview-Pine Falls was formally surveyed, and incorporated. Mr. H Parent, a local businessman pushed for the creation of the town, and was Powerview-Pine Falls's first Mayor in 1951.
Economic Base
Powerview-Pine Falls's largest employers are the paper and hydro industry. The Pine Falls Paper Company draws employs over 500 of the local residents for its workforce. Manitoba Hydro's large hydroelectric plants also draw upon the local workforce for the operation and maintenance of its plants and properties.
Powerview School is also a local employer. The school offers courses to kindergarten to grade twelve. The local hospital in Pine Falls also employs local residents.
Powerview-Pine Falls has a strong service industry. The Powerview Hotel, Papertown Motor Inn and Manitou Lodge also employ local residents. The town itself offers a wide range of professional and business services such as grocery stores, restaurants, Credit Unions, hardware stores and clothing stores to meet the needs of its residents and visitors.
Major Attractions
The area prides itself on having some very outstanding hunting grounds for dear and other small game. Take a guided trip of Hydro's facility and dam while in Powerview-Pine Falls. The tour will give you a good look into how much of Manitoba gets it electricity. With kilometres of cross-country, hiking and snowmobile trails, Powerview-Pine Falls is definitely a spot for sport enthusiasts.
The beautiful Winnipeg River offers a great fishing experience for the master tackler, or the young fish frye. Fishermen can almost always be found along the river, trying to catch the famous Winnipeg River pickerel. The scenic banks of the river provide beautiful site seeing experiences and the occasional spotting of moose, dear and black bears.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Powerview-Pine Falls has a very strong community spirit that is evident by the many clubs that residents can participate in. Clubs like the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and Legion have a established presence in the village.
September long weekend heralds the annual 4P festival where Powerview-Pine Falls boasts its four best assets, power, paper, peas, and pickerel. Aside from it's presence in the hydroelectric and paper industry, Powerview-Pine Falls boasts being one of the best places in Manitoba for pickerel fishing and for the growing of delicious St Georges Peas.
