The Town of Oak Lake is ideally situated in the Westman Region of Manitoba, just south of the Trans Canada Highway. The community of 370 people is 56 kilometres west of Brandon, the region's largest centre, and 260 kilometres from the provincial capital, Winnipeg. Established in the late 1800's, Oak Lake remains an integral part of Manitoba's prairie life.
History
In the early 1800's several fur training posts were located in the Oak Lake area. One post in particular, on the shores of Oak Lake, was a favorite stopping point for many of the freight carts and settlers. Large Oak trees on the shores were readily available if needed for repairs to the wagons. In the 1870's, the Canadian Pacific Railway began to build the railroad from coast to coast. By the fall of 1881, the crew had reached nearby Flat Creek. They spent the winter there and in the spring moved camp to the west where they built a siding and a station. The townsite of Oak Lake was established here. The name for the town was borrowed from the lake located a few kilometres to the southwest.
The settlement was officially incorporated as a town on July 15, 1907. Surrounding the community of Oak Lake is a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and shallow valleys, dotted with stands of trees crossed by a number of small creeks and streams. Nearby Oak Lake is another beautiful spot, which offers many opportunities for recreational fun.
Economic Base
Agriculture plays a major role in the economy of Oak Lake and much of the surrounding area. The region's farming community, is comprised of mainly grain and mixed grain and oilseed operations. A small number of other operations in the immediate area specialize solely in livestock production. Several large hog barns have been constructed in the area, and a major P.M.U. operation has been set up close to town. The community also has a seed grower and a seed cleaning plant, as well as, a number of specialty crop producers.
The town's small business sector provides many necessary goods and services to meet the needs and demands of local residents and those in the surrounding community. Tourism and recreation also boost the town's economy. The nearby lake and campground offer many opportunities for fun and relaxation, and attracts visitors from across the province each year.
Major Attractions
Oak Lake provides an almost endless opportunity for outdoor fun. Whether one fancies boating, sailing, fishing, swimming or, a soft sandy beach, the lake has something for everyone. This natural paradise is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether for just a day of fun, or for an extended stay.
Another famous tourist attraction in the Town of Oak Lake is the Olde Town Gallery, a world-class art gallery hidden in a small prairie town. This one-of-a-kind gallery features the works of over thirty artists, most of which come from Manitoba. These displays include works in fabric, stone, watercolour, oil, ceramics, glass, jewelery, wood and metal. With such a large range of mediums and styles, any visitor will feel inspired gazing at the works of the province's finest artists. Whether stopping in Oak Lake for a short time, or for an extended stay, the gallery is a must see for everyone.
