The Rural Municipality of Glenwood is located in the southwestern corner of Manitoba, and is only 47 kilometres southwest of Manitoba's second largest city, Brandon. The municipality's largest town, Souris, provides the advantage of great shops, services and tourist attractions. Glenwood and Souris are easily reached at the junction of Provincial Trunk Highway 2, running east and west, while Provincial Road 250 extends from north to south. Provincial Trunk Highway 10 is only 15-minutes east and provides access to the United States. Glenwood offers its residents a comfortable, peaceful and serene lifestyle along with all the amenities of a large urban centre.
History
Glenwood was incorporated as a municipality in 1883, yet its history has a rich story behind it. In 1880, the first four permanent residents arrived and established homesteads along Plum Creek, approximately 1.5 kilometres west of what today is Souris. Most early settlers established homesteads in the Souris area, while others settled in the surrounding townsites. The 1880's saw vigorous immigration into the area, especially people who came from Ireland. By the end of 1883, the area was completely settled, and by 1884 the townsite of Souris contained over 50 buildings. The Town of Souris was incorporated in 1904 as a separate municipal government, and its first Mayor was A.L. Young.
Economic Base
The R.M. of Glenwood and the Town of Souris' economies are primarily based in agriculture. Well suited for all types of farming, the region features grain, canola, flax, cattle, and hog farming. A small industrial base is being established in the municipality. A prominent employer, Saputo Cheese Inc. manufactures quality cheese for the regional and national market. United Grain Growers has a strong presence with their grain terminal and crop production services, and provides a central distribution terminal for all of the Westman Region. Proven Seed Distribution Centre and Peloquin Fabricating also are prominent employers in the municipality.
The Town of Souris provides many of the large urban services and amenities found in other towns. The town also boasts its own school that features two gymnasiums, a computer and science lab, distance education, and a well-known music program.
A growing economic source in Glenwood is tourism. Souris features many sites including an agate pit, four museums, bird sanctuary, golf course, river cruise, nature trails, and the always-famous swinging bridge. Many accommodations and businesses exist to serve the needs of tourists, including a fully serviced campground and hotel.
Major Attractions
The famous Swinging Bridge is one of the most important sites in the region! The 177.4-metre bridge, built in 1903, is the longest suspension footbridge in all of Canada. The Glenwood areas agate pits, also draw many tourists from all over the world who have come to collect many varieties of agates, several colors of jasper, petrified wood, and epidote found in the pits themselves.
The twenty-acre Victoria Park is a spot of great natural beauty. Donated by the Sowden family, it is located in the heart of Souris, and features camping, picnicking, and swimming facilities. A bird sanctuary is located in the centre of the park where many different types of birds can be viewed.
The old Squire Hall, restored as a historic site and named the Hillcrest Museum, features the original furniture of the mansion along with interesting artifacts cherished by the early Souris settlers. The Agricultural Museum is found in the same location. The Plum is the site of the 1883 Souris Heritage Church built by early settlers. This building features Victorian Architecture and a Church Museum with a lively Tea Room with crafts.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
The Souris Fair Grounds provide the R.M. of Glenwood with an excellent staging site for events that include: baseball diamonds, a batting cage, a corral, barns, a judges booth, display buildings, and concession stands.
