The Village of Waskada is located in the southwestern corner of Manitoba, and is located in the rich rolling agricultural land of the municipality of Brenda. Waskada is located along Provincial Road 251, and is approximately 141 kilometres southwest of Manitoba's second largest city, Brandon. Waskada is situated only 10 kilometres north of the International Boundary, and only 40 kilometres east of the Saskatchewan/Manitoban border. Waskada is also approximately 32 kilometres southeast of Deloraine, and 32 kilometres southwest of Melita, the region's two larger centres. The town is situated just west of the beautiful Turtle Mountains Provincial Park.
History
Waskada was incorporated as a village in 1949, yet the local history of Waskada and the region surrounding it dates back thousands of years. The recession of the glacial ice sheet heralded the long history of aboriginal hunting and gathering tribes that were living on the plains of southwestern Manitoba. This rich aboriginal history is prevalent by the native artifacts and burial sites that dot southern Manitoba. Many important settler trails criss-crossed around Waskada. These settlers moved westward into Saskatchewan and south into North Dakota and the southern states, or elsewhere into central Manitoba and points beyond. The Boundary Commission of 1874, saw government surveyors officially survey the International Border. The Northwest Mounted Police had a strong presence in Waskada, marching near the village on their famous "March West".
Economic Base
Most of the economic climate in Waskada and the surrounding areas focus on the oil and agriculture. The southwestern corner of Manitoba is well known for its strong presence of oil production. Many residents in and near Waskada are employed by several different oil companies in producing oil to be shipped to major urban centres. The agricultural scene in Waskada is also very prominent, with the village being a very "farm based" centre. The village itself provides basic services and necessities such as a service station, grocery store, restaurant and Credit Union. For a wider variety of services, residents typically have to travel to nearby Deloraine or Melita.
Major Attractions
While in Waskada, there are many interesting things to see. The Waskada Museum is sure to make for an interesting diversion, as is the Blacksmith's shop. The museum occupies the former Royal Bank building and the former Anglican Church. The museum features two antique tractors and farm machinery, a silent movie projector, settler's tools, artifacts from yester-year, and a mounted whooping crane from 1906. The museum is also home to one of the best collections of threshing photos in Western Canada. The Waskada Park features a 6-hole golf course, camping facilities and baseball diamonds. Waskada is also home to Carol Ramsay's Art studio. Carol Ramsay is a local artist well known around the surrounding region. Carol works with paints and other artistic media.
Just 6 kilometres southeast of Waskada, the Lowe Natural Heritage Area is the largest piece of unbroken prairie between the Turtle Mountains and the Souris River. The heritage area is open year-round to visitors and residents. The Turtle Mountains Provincial Park just east of Waskada, is also a great place to stop for a couple days of camping and swimming.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
The Promo Days in June, and Threshing Days celebration in September, are two events that truly are reflections of the living history in Waskada. The friendly residents of Waskada welcome you not miss these fun events while visiting their village.
