The Village of Wawanesa is located along Highway 2 in Manitoba's Westman Region. The community is only 30 minutes from the City of Brandon, Westman's largest centre, and just over two hours from the Provincial Capital, Winnipeg. Wawanesa is a scenic village nestled in a horseshoe valley, with a breath-taking view of the surrounding cliffs. The rich agricultural community is home to over 30 businesses and 10 service clubs and other organizations.
History
Much of the land surrounding Wawanesa is rooted deeply in agriculture and crop production. The Souris River winds its was through the village, and the valley created by its banks offers a visual experience somewhat unique to most areas of the Canadian Prairies.
The area was first settled in the late 1800's, with the early pioneers breaking the land for farms. By 1882, harvests were large enough to demand a local marketing centre. The community grew, but could still not provide all the services the farmers wanted. In 1890, the Northern Pacific Railroad (later the C.N.R.) moved through the area. With it came the construction of grain elevators and service centres that made the long and dangerous trip to Brandon almost unnecessary. With the arrival of the railroad, the village grew and Wawanesa was a flourishing rural community at the turn of the century.
Economic Base
Today, much of Wawanesa's economy is still devoted to agricultural production. The small community still acts as a local service centre for local farmers providing supplies and crop inputs. A small business sector provides local residents with some of the retail goods and services they require. The village is also home to a handful of small manufacturing firms who serve the local area.
Wawanesa and the local community boast some fine sporting and recreational facilities. The Recreation Centre is a modern facility with an artificial ice rink and a curling club. The centre plays host to a number of minor sports teams, and holds many hockey tournaments and curling bonspiels annually. A pistol and rifle range in Wawanesa is home to national and international championship marksmen. The Lion's Community Park has picnic areas and a campground with electrical hook-ups. The park also has a junior olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool for summer enjoyment. Centennial Hall and the New Horizons Centre offer a banquet hall for dining and dancing, which caters to 300 people. The Sipiweske Museum houses a collection that highlights the local area with displays and artifacts. The Wawanesa Fair Grounds play host once a year to a stop over by the Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Circuit.
Major Attractions
Wawanesa and the local community boast some fine sporting and recreational facilities. The Recreation Centre is a modern facility with an artificial ice rink and a curling club. The centre plays host to a number of minor sports teams and holds many hockey tournaments and curling bonspiels annually.
A pistol and rifle range in Wawanesa is home to national and international championship marksmen.
The Lion's Community Park has picnic areas and a campground with electrical hook-ups. The park also has a junior Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool for summer enjoyment.
Centennial Hall and the New Horizons Centre offer a banquet hall for dining and dancing that caters to 300 people.
The Sipiweske Museum houses a collection that highlights the local area with displays and artifacts.
The Wawanesa Fair Grounds play host once a year to a stop over by the Manitoba Great Western Harness Racing Circuit.
Other Information
One of the community's greatest achievements is also one of North America's most well known companies. The village is the home of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. Created in 1896, the home office of one of the largest insurance companies on the continent is still located in the village. The success of this local business bearing the community's name brings a feeling of pride to past residents and current residents of Wawanesa. This quiet rural village offers a more relaxed way of life for those looking to escape the rush of the big city life.
