The Village of Saint-Pierre-Jolys is located along Provincial Trunk Highway 59, only 56 kilometres south of Winnipeg, the provincial capital. This community of 925 people is a progressive community where more than seventy-percent of the residents are of French Canadian descent.
History
When settlers first arrived from Eastern Canada in the late 1800's, the community was known simply as Saint-Pierre. Years later, the name Jolys was added honouring a prominent local religious figure whom helped to set up the church in the community. The village was officially incorporated in 1947. Saint-Pierre-Jolys lies on the eastern edge of the vast Red River Valley. Much of the land to the west of the village is part of an ancient flood plain and is well suited to growing a wide variety of crops. Farm fields stretch across the flat prairie for as far as the eye can see. To the east of the village, the prairie gives way to poplar and aspen forests that lead into the Canadian Shield areas of the eastern edge of the province. The area lends itself to a blend of different scenries, and is home to a unique variety of birds and wildlife.
Economic Base
The economy of the area is based largely on farming and agricultural support services. The rich fertile soil of the Red River Valley grows some of the finest grain crops on the Canadian Prairies. To the east, the soil turns rocky and sandy, and the area lends itself well to livestock production and ranching. Many large hog and poultry barns have been constructed in the local area. There is also a strong presence in the dairy sector, supplying processors in the nearby capital city of Winnipeg with raw milk. Wooded areas surrounding Saint-Pierre-Jolys are also well suited to cattle production, and the animals are left to roam in the fenced fields.
Many businesses are located in the heart of the village's commercial district. Retailers offer goods and services to residents of the local communities and small manufacturers supply products to other firms locally and abroad. Many essential services are located right inside the village.
Major Attractions
The sports minded Village of Saint-Pierre-Jolys keeps active year-round, with many recreational and leisure facilities available. An arena provides a winter venue for sporting events for local residents, and hosts many competitive gatherings annually. A twenty-acre municipal park, complete with baseball diamonds and a children's play structure, offers enjoyable activities for the whole family. The Rat River Golf Course, resting on the banks of a picturesque river, is a pleasant little eighteen-hole course perfect for the recreational golfer. The local area also offers cross-country ski trails, groomed snowmobile trails, social clubs and organized sports of all types to young and old alike.
Major annual events are an exciting part of life for the residents of Saint-Pierre-Jolys and the surrounding area. The Frog Follies, held on the August long weekend, attracts festive participants from miles around. Major attractions to this unique event are a social and dance with live entertainment, and the frog races, where contestants bring their highly trained bullfrogs to compete for cash and prizes. The event is a must see for sport lovers and those just looking for a laugh. On a more serious note, the Spring Maple Sugar Festival celebrates the heritage and history of maple syrup and sugar in the area. Participants can get hands-on experience in the tapping of Maple trees and the making of syrup, while tasting the wonderful treats.
