The Rural Municipality of Edward is situated in the southwest corner of Manitoba. The municipality is bordered by the U.S.A. border on the south and the Saskatchewan border on the west. The east border is shared with the R.M. of Arthur. A U.S.A. border crossing is located near Lyleton.
A number of provincial highways provide access to the municipality. Provincial Trunk Highway 3 passes east/west through the middle of the muncipality. Provincial Roads 256, 345, 251 also service the municipality.
Jackson, Graham, Gainsborough and Antler Creeks add to the natural beauty of the area.
When the CPR laid down rails through Pierson in 1891, it provided a means of transportation for settlers and a growing agricultural community. The railway is still providing grain transportation for the area.
Edward is a fine example of short grass prairies and wildlife such as deer, partridge, grouse and pheasants, which are still found in abundance throughout the municipality.
History
The municipality was incorporated in 1905. Prior to that it was a part of the larger municipality of Arthur. In 1891, the CPR passed through Pierson and local trades and businesses began. Both Pierson and Lyleton eventually had railway connections and became important agricultural service centres to the surrounding farms.
As a part of Canada's western history and heritage, the North West Mounted Police Boundary Commission Trail passed through the municipality. Remnants of the original trail can still be seen in several places. The trail ran approximately six-miles north of, and nearly parallel to the International Boundary that we know today. The trail was first made by the Canada/USA Boundary Commission to survey the 49th parallel. In 1874, the North West Mounted Police used the same trail to make their historic journey west to Fort MacLeod, where they brought law and order to Western Canada.
Economic Base
Mixed farming is the economic backbone of Edward.
Livestock production includes cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and some poultry. Some diversification is being carried out with ostrich, elk, and buffalo ranching. Major crops include wheat, oats, barley, rye, canola, sunflowers, peas and lentils. Some added strength to the local economy comes from a healthy oil patch, which contributes almost one-third to the local tax base. Anderson Oil and Tundra Oil & Gas, are two of the more prominent employers in the Pierson field.
An exciting new industry located in the municipality in 1999; InMetal North America Ltd. is a foundry using the lost foam method of casting. This is a state-of-the-art process for making castings. This new process is growing in use in North America, due to its accuracy and lower production costs. The process can be easily adapted to produce almost anything, and is currently being used by General Motors in its production of Saturn cars.
Major Attractions
The Pierson Carnival of Crafts is an annual craft sale held on the first Saturday in October. This one afternoon event attracts approximately 2000 visitors every year, and has been described as the best craft sale outside of Winnipeg.
For ball players, the Lyleton Sports Day is an annual July 1st event that provides a full day of baseball excitement for the community.
Pierson is a thriving centre for the municipality and provides many agriculturally related services, among other services. The community is small and friendly and provides an excellent environment for safe family
living.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
The Edward Sports Centre is a clean, well cared for hockey rink with artificial ice. The centre is located in Pierson. Minor hockey teams for boys and girls and an active figure skating club are part of the basic winter activity for the rink. Solid coaching and enthusiastic parental support have been a hallmark of the local teams for many years. NHL player Marty Murray from Lyleton, played out of the Edward Sports Centre and received local coaching there.
Baseball parks are located in both Pierson and Lyleton and an active Minor Baseball Association is maintaining teams for all ages.
A local theatre group, the Pierson Players, puts on an annual play including a dinner theatre.
A local public library is located in Pierson and supports extra activities such as children's reading and play times.
Other Information
A local initiative, Pierson Community on Patrol (COPS) program was founded in 1999. Since its startup, there have been virtually no break-ins in the municipality. The local RCMP detachment corporal in Melita, has stated that it is one of the strongest supported programs of its kind that he has ever seen. This is another example of a community based initiative that enhances the quality of life for the area.
