The R.M. of Hanover has three major centres of population. The communities of Mitchell, Blumenort and Grunthal make up the large urban centres in Hanover, besides the nearby City of Steinbach. All three communities are connected along many highways including Provincial Trunk Highways 12 and 52, as well as, Provincial Roads 203, 206, 210, 205, 311, and 216.
The R.M. of Hanover surrounds the city of Steinbach, and is a major service centre for the municipality. Hanover finds itself situated in the rich agricultural heartland just southeast of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg. With its strong Mennonite communities, Hanover is definitely a cultural gem found within Manitoba's eastern municipalities.
History
**Excerpts from the book, "Hanover: One Hundred Years" written by Lydia Pennner.
The RM of Hanover comprises an area slightly larger than the area set aside as a Mennonite reserve in 1873. This tract of land was referred to as the East Reserve. In 1880 the province organized the area as a municipality and named it Hespeler, after the man who brought the first settlers to the area in 1873. On May 25, 1881 the municipality of Hanover was established when the whole province was reorganized. At that time the east reserve was separated into two municipalities, Hespeler in the north and Hanover in the south. In 1890 the municipalities of Hespeler and Hanover were merged to create Hanover, as it is known today.
The area was settled by five different ethnic groups... Mennonites, Ukrainians, Germans, French and Anglo Saxon. In the early years over 50 communities were established but many did not last long. The communities of Steinbach, Niverville, Blumenort, Grunthal, and Kleefeld became the trading centres and they still exist today. Steinbach became the major trading centre for the region and it was established as a town in 1947. Niverville, the only other incorporated community within Hanover, was incorporated as a village in 1968.
Much of the land in Hanover was not ideally suited to grain farming. The area had course [coarse] textured soils, was largely wooded and had major drainage problems. While grain farming was possible some of these characteristics lead to the diversification of agriculture that the municipality displays today. Diversification into dairy, hogs, poultry, honey, potatoes and sugar beets has made Hanover a leader in the production of many of these products in Manitoba. Hanover has been highly productive in hogs since the 1940's but in the last twenty years the area began to specialize in hog production. This specialization created the need for agriculture related services like feed mills, hatcheries, transportation, farm implements and other agriculture services that make up the economic base of Hanover today.**Excerpts from the book, "Hanover: One Hundred Years" written by Lydia Pennner.
The RM of Hanover comprises an area slightly larger than the area set aside as a Mennonite reserve in 1873. This tract of land was referred to as the East Reserve. In 1880 the province organized the area as a municipality and named it Hespeler, after the man who brought the first settlers to the area in 1873. On May 25, 1881 the municipality of Hanover was established when the whole province was reorganized. At that time the east reserve was separated into two municipalities, Hespeler in the north and Hanover in the south. In 1890 the municipalities of Hespeler and Hanover were merged to create Hanover, as it is known today.
The area was settled by five different ethnic groups... Mennonites, Ukrainians, Germans, French and Anglo Saxon. In the early years over 50 communities were established but many did not last long. The communities of Steinbach, Niverville, Blumenort, Grunthal, and Kleefeld became the trading centres and they still exist today. Steinbach became the major trading centre for the region and it was established as a town in 1947. Niverville, the only other incorporated community within Hanover, was incorporated as a village in 1968.
Much of the land in Hanover was not ideally suited to grain farming. The area had course [coarse] textured soils, was largely wooded and had major drainage problems. While grain farming was possible some of these characteristics lead to the diversification of agriculture that the municipality displays today. Diversification into dairy, hogs, poultry, honey, potatoes and sugar beets has made Hanover a leader in the production of many of these products in Manitoba. Hanover has been highly productive in hogs since the 1940's but in the last twenty years the area began to specialize in hog production. This specialization created the need for agriculture related services
Economic Base
Agriculture is the dominant industry in the R.M., with most residents either directly employed in agriculture, or in agricultural businesses and support services. Manufacturing, construction, and retail are other strong economic initiatives in the municipality.
With its extensive and well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes the Provincial Highway system, Hanover is an excellent place to start a business. The surrounding highways are all-weather roads capable of handling car and truck traffic with multiple axles. Also these highways link the R.M. of Hanover with major exporting routes to the south, east and west. The nearby CN rail line in the R.M. of Ste. Anne is another added benefit. Harris Air Service in Steinbach, provides light commuter aircraft traffic. Three local hospitals, ambulance services, and many other essential amenities service the R.M. of Hanover. Hanover is an excellent place to start or move a family.
Major Attractions
The Blumenort Fair (held in early June) and the Annual Hanover Agricultural Society Fair held in Grunthal (in August), are two events not to miss while in Hanover this summer. Ranch Rodeos, and hockey and baseball tournaments also keep all residents and visitors busy during the summer and winter months.
Grunthal offers a wide variety of recreational facilities for many sporting and recreational uses. The Grunthal Arena and Lions Community Centre are only two such examples. Baseball, outdoor hockey rinks, tennis courts and outdoor volleyball courts, are only a sample of the facilities found in Hanover.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Hanover's close knit community is evident by the many community organizations within its boundaries. Associated with many local churches, these organizations prove to have a strong and positive prominence on the region. Feel free to visit the lovely Municipality of Hanover... the warm and friendly people of Hanover welcome you!
