The Town of Morden is a community of approximately 6,750 residents and is located in south central Manitoba, one hour from Winnipeg in the middle of the Pembina Valley, one of the province's richest agricultural areas. (120 km from Winnipeg via PTH #3 OR PTH #75. It is only 19 km north of the US border. Elevation is 302 meters and the exact geographic location is Longitude: 98° 6' W Latitude: 49° 11' N.)
History
Millions of years ago mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, giant turtles and other marine animals swam in the prehistoric Western Interior Seaway. The Seaway spanned from the Arctic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico covering Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and some of the United States. The Seaway disappeared and millions of year's later retreating glaciers gave way to fresh water Lake Agassiz. When Lake Agassiz retreated, soils rich in nutrients were deposited, allowing saskatoons, plums, and all types of berries, wild herbs, flowers, and shrubs to grow.
Centuries after the retreat of Lake Agassiz, the Mound Builders came to grow corn, squash, pumpkins, beans and tobacco. The Chipewayan, Cree and Assiniboine were among those who came to inhabit this part of the country after the Mound Builders left.
In 1874 Alvey & Francis Morden left Walkerton, Ontario for the far west. With them came four sons, Wilmot, Frank, Albert and David, and daughter Elizabeth. They were among the first to come to the immediate vicinity of present-day Morden.
By 1878 there were three communities, Morden, Nelson and Mountain City. Of these Nelson became the most prosperous community boasting a population of nearly 1,000 in 1881. Much of the success of Nelson came as a result of the Land Registry Office placed there to accommodate the Ontario English, who were settling to the west.
It was the building of the railway by the Canadian Pacific, which brought Morden into prominence. The rail line bypassed the established settlements and in 1882 reached the spot, which is now Morden. The Mort Cheval Creek provided water for the steam locomotives, and prompted the railway to immediately build a water tower at the creek crossing. They named the stopping place "Cheval" and in a few months changed it to "Morden" after the original owner of the property.
As soon as the railway decided on the Morden route and the town site was laid out at Morden both Mountain City and Nelsonville had to make up their minds what to do. As the residents' dreams of a railroad through their communities faded, many pulled up stakes and moved lock, stock and barrel to Morden. The moving of buildings became an art. They were raised onto skids of oaken beams and with snow on the ground the people moved one building a day. By 1885 most of the businesses of both towns had vanished and by 1900 hardly a building remained at either Mountain City or Nelsonville. Meanwhile the new town of Morden had developed into a large, well-equipped town of over 1,500 people.
Economic Base
Morden's progressive business community with more than 300 business establishments offers the local and regional population quality services and an excellent selection of merchandise. Morden is also the regional headquarters for Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Telecom Services and various Federal & Provincial Government Departments.
The Town of Morden is in a growth phase, both residentially and commercially. There are many factors at work, such as steadily increasing immigration, business investment, and a progressive, business-minded municipal Council that wants to maintain the distinction of being the "Best in Country Living" (Harrowsmith Magazine, 2004). There is a long history of business success stories, such as Bühler Manufacturing, Décor Cabinets, and 3M Canada. Opening in September of 2006, Boston Pizza and Tim Horton's are the latest additions to a growing number of national franchises that have selected Morden as a new location. Government also has a long history in Morden. The Federal Agricultural Research Station has been in operation for over 100 years, and many Provincial departments have regional offices in Morden.
The farming community around Morden relies on the town's status as a local agriculture service centre. Town businesses provide almost all of the inputs and services required in the agricultural field. Farming plays a big role in the economic picture of the area, with most farms producing cereal grains and oil seeds. Many operations in the area produce more specialized products like corn and sunflowers, potatoes and vegetables.
The fully serviced Industrial Park has paved roads and all utilities. It is accessible by way of the provincial highway system as well as Canadian Pacific Railway. Morden Regional Airport features a 1,205 metre paved and lighted runway as well as a night beacon.
Major Attractions
As much as Morden is known for great business in Southern Manitoba, the town is also known for fun. Throughout the year, Morden is alive with activity and entertainment for all people.
It all begins in May with the Barnswallows Quilts & Crafts Show followed by the Annual Library Book Sale. Summer is a busy time with two distinct music festivals, our Canada Day Beach Blast, the Morden International Triathlon and the International Golf Tournament. The summer winds up at the end of August with the Morden Corn & Apple Festival. September has the Pembina Threshermen's Reunion and the Manitoba Dance Jamboree and then in November – just in time for Christmas - you can visit the Morden Arts & Crafts Show. Our Star Attraction, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre is open year round and is definitely worth a visit. While there you can stop in to see the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame.
Corn & Apple Festival ( Fourth weekend in August):
The Corn & Apple Festival celebrated 40 years in 2006, and it remains the largest free outdoor festival in Manitoba, attracting approximately 70 000 visitors in three days. It's Fun & It's Free. There is a parade and a large midway as well as free corn-on-the-cob and cold apple cider.
Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre: (Open Year Round) Visit the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, home of the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada. This has "Star Attraction" rating.
Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame: This Museum displays memorabilia related to the history of baseball in Manitoba, some dating back to the 1900's.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Morden is a clean and safe community that is steeped in history and culture. There are beautiful homes, tree lined streets, wonderful parks and an overall sense of comfort and security for residents.
The Town of Morden provides the very best for its community. We have an excellent education system for children and adults, a state of the art community owned clinic and health complex, (See photo of Boundary Trails Place) as well as a diverse mix of employment and business opportunities.
Morden is rich in cultural diversity, and attracts people from all over the world from different walks of life. Residents enjoy quality recreation facilities at the two arenas Recreation Centre, a thriving arts community and many sports organizations. We have a professional 18-hole golf course (Minnewasta Golf & Country Club), and Lake Minnewasta & Colert Beach - southern Manitoba's most beautiful beach.
Other Information
Whatever your interests are, Morden has something to offer.
All the above and many more are the reason for Morden having been voted the "Best In Country Living" places in Canada by Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine.
