The Rural Municipality of Louise consists of four Townships and three Ranges. The R.M. of Louise is situated in the central region of the province. Our region encompasses 927.22 square kilometres. To the south, we border the United States at the 49th Parallel of latitude. The R.M. of Louise encompasses the communities of Crystal City, Clearwater and Pilot Mound. The R.M. of Louise is also found approximately 230 kilometres east of the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border. The TransCanada Highway is approximately 90 kilometres north of our municipality.
We have an annual rainfall of 399.3 cm, an annual snowfall of 130.4 cm, and an average of 119 Frost Free days. Temperatures vary from +35 degrees Celsius in the summer to -35 degrees in the winter
History
The Rural Municipality of Louise was incorporated in 1880 and held its first meeting on May 3, 1880. Early meetings were held at the homes of the councillors. A clerk, a treasurer, and a tax collector were appointed by by-law. Settlers came to this area as early as the 1870's, mostly coming from Ontario. Aboriginal peoples were actually the first to settle here. It is said that the last stand of the Sioux Indians on British territory took place on the slopes of the original "mound" of Pilot Mound in 1854. The Town of Pilot Mound was later moved 3 kilometres away and situated itself next to the railway, which came to this area in 1885.
Early construction of numerous bridges across the various creeks and rivers was done in the 1880's. Twenty-four horse-drawn road scrapers were purchased in 1881. School districts were formed with a minimum enrollment of ten children each.
At present time, the R.M. has a population of 1090 as taken from the 1996 Statistics Canada Census.
Economic Base
The R.M. of Louise is an agriculturally based economy. Farms are becoming larger and farther apart, resulting in a reduction of population. We have mixed farms as well as strictly grain farms. Crops grown in this area are wheat, barley, oats, canola, flax and hay. Livestock includes cattle, hogs, sheep and chickens. Large hog barns are also more prevalent on the landscape. The agriculture industry supports machinery and parts dealerships, bulk fuel agents, banks etc.
In addition to the agricultural part of the economy, our area is seeing a growing segment of local economy focusing on tourism. The Crystal City Printing Museum has been recognized as the oldest continuously operating print shop in Manitoba, and one of two in western Canada. The CPR Water Tower in Clearwater has been in use since 1885 and is presently being used as the community's water treatment facility. It was designated as a Heritage Site in 1996. Pilot Mound has the "old Mound", the "Marringhurst Park" and the "Wilson House". In the Snowflake area, "Star Mound" has also been designated as a heritage site.
Major Attractions
The large Clearwater water tower and Clearwater railway bridge, are two places to stop with camera in hand. The Star Mound Historical Society also boasts a glimpse into our rich history with an era school house, red river ox cart trail and native burial ground.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
We have an airstrip run by the Louise Airport Commission. In the Pilot Mound area we have the Pilot Mound Town and Country Golf Course, the Pilot Mound Kinsman swimming pool, a five-pin bowling alley, a theatre, a tennis court and a library. We have three skating rinks and two curling rinks within the three towns. Our area has two bed and breakfasts, as well as, the Pilot Mound Hotel for accommodation. Our municipality is situated adjacent to Rock Lake, offering camping facilities and water activities. The Rock Lake United Church Camp and the Christian Enrichment Camp offers camping experiences for our youth in the summer months. Crystal City has the Parklane Theatre, which hosts plays that are performed locally or brought to the public through the "Prairie Theatre Exchange".
