The Town of Altona is located at the junction of Highways 30 and 201 in the Pembina Valley Region of Manitoba. The community of 3060 people is approximately 100 kilometres south of the provincial capital of Winnipeg. Altona is also 11 kilometres north of the State of North Dakota border in the United States.
History
The Manitoba prairies around Altona were first settled in the early 1870's. German speaking Mennonites from the Ukraine and Russia fled their homeland fearing religious persecution. Being expert grain farmers, the Mennonites saw the rich fertile farmland of the Red River Valley in Manitoba as a perfect place to call home. These deeply religious people settled an area of southern Manitoba dubbed the "West Reserve" by the Canadian Government. Here they would be free to follow their beliefs and agricultural practices. When the settlers arrived to the new land, however, they found nothing but miles and miles of tall grass prairie for as far as the eye could see. Back in Russia, the Mennonites had already made the transition from subsistence to commercial farming and were used to a well-developed lifestyle with some modern infrastructure. Although, the backbreaking toil of turning sod and clearing farmland was hard work, the Mennonites were not unused to hardship and labour. In true pioneer spirit, the Mennonites persevered and introduced many of their unique farming practices to the Canadian Prairie.
In 1880, the first homesteads in "Old Altona Village" were built and the town began. As farms flourished, the town grew to support them and businesses started. The coming of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1882 made shipping easier and fueled the growth of Altona. The construction of a railway beside the town in 1895 anchored the community as a permanent site on Manitoba's map.
Economic Base
Altona is located in one of the most productive agricultural areas in North America. The combination of unusually warm climate and good soil characteristics, make the Altona area suitable for growing many crops grown in more southern locations. Traditional prairie crops such as wheat, barley, canola and flax are grown, as well as, corn, soybeans, vegetables, potatoes, edible beans and peas. Poultry and hogs are also a major part of Altona's agricultural sector. Area farmers count on many of Altona's businesses to supply crop inputs and services. Altona is considered a major agricultural service centre for a large trading area. Altona's industrial sector relies heavily on the town's roots in agriculture. Local companies include an oil seed processing plant and several machinery parts and equipment fabricators. Altona's industrial sector is also home to a number of diverse firms outside the agriculture industry that have created a stable economic base despite, fluctuations in business and agricultural cycles.
Major Attractions
If you are looking to have some fun, look no further than Altona. The town has numerous recreational facilities, and holds several annual events enjoyed by residents and guests of all ages.
Centennial Park is the place to be for summer fun. The park has five baseball diamonds, a pool, picnic shelters, and an outdoor stage and tennis courts. Buffalo Creek Nature Park is another unique facility with a unique environmental theme. Walking trails surrounds a two-acre lake in the park. During the winter months a toboggan hill provides a thrilling ride of fast paced action.
Town residents keep busy throughout the winter in the indoor hockey rink, watching little league games or hashing it out on indoor curling rinks.
In April each year, Altona hosts the Festival of the Arts in various venues throughout the town. Many performances and exhibitions highlight this community event.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
The Altona Sunflower Festival is held the last week of July and celebrates this beautiful local icon. Food, entertainment and fun, are all staples of this weekend event. To satisfy the little bit of German in all of us, the Altona Elks hold Oktoberfest each year in September. The celebration is one last opportunity to get together and enjoy the last of the summer weather, before the onset of winter snow.
