The Rural Municipality of Cornwallis is located in southwestern Manitoba. The municipality surrounds Manitoba's second largest city, Brandon. The municipality is proudly situated in the agricultural heartland of Manitoba. Characterized by rolling fertile farmlands and the rolling Assiniboine River that flows through the municipality, Cornwallis also features the beautiful Blue Hills of Brandon to its south, and the Sprucewoods Provincial Forest to the east. Found on the eastern border of the municipality, the Canadian Forces Base Shilo forms a prominent part of Cornwallis. The municipality is easily accessible by the Trans Canada Highway from Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg. Cornwallis is also accessible by Provincial Trunk Highway 10. With a population of approximately 4,300 friendly Manitobans, Cornwallis, features several smaller communities such as Brandon Hills, Little Souris, Grand Valley, Chater, Cottonwoods and Sprucewoods.
History
The Rural Municipality of Cornwallis was officially incorporated in 1884. Historically, the County of Brandon compromised a large parcel of land around the City of Brandon. The Municipality of Cornwallis was formed out of the subdividing of the county. Immigrants settled into the area because of the rich farmlands that promised a better life for many. With the railroad passing through the Brandon in the late 1800's, new services and businesses quickly spread through the area. The city became a major service centre for the many agricultural communities in the municipality. As Brandon grew, the surrounding municipality also grew with residents finding the city as an integral and major agricultural service centre.
Economic Base
The major economic impetus in Cornwallis is agriculture. Most residents employed in Cornwallis are either employed in farming or in agricultural businesses and services. The municipality's largest employer is the Canadian Forces Base at Shilo. The base employs approximately 114 local residents in various functions.
New families will find Cornwallis an excellent municipality to locate in. Several new residential subdivisions under development in the municipality will provide new residents with an opportunity to live in a quiet country setting while within close proximity to the services and conveniences in the City of Brandon.
Major Attractions
While visiting the Cornwallis, do not miss visiting the beautiful Brandon Hills. Located just 11 kilometres south of the City of Brandon, the region provides excellent cross-country skiing and hiking through this beautiful part of Manitoba. Cornwallis is conveniently located within a 90 minute drive from some of Manitoba's most beautiful Parks. Riding Mountain National Park, Sprucewoods, and Turtle Mountain Provincial Parks provide the avid nature lover with many recreational opportunities. The City of Brandon, provides all residents in Cornwallis with a multiplicity of cultural and recreational facilities.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Be sure not to miss the Pioneer Power and Equipment Fair held annually in July. Held at the Cornwallis Park, the event is sure to be a fun event for the whole family. You will find events that appeal to you in all seasons. Everything from a concert in Brandon to a military display at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, there is sure to be something of interest to you.
Other Information
Due to its close proximity to the City of Brandon, community services and facilities are primarily within city limits. The R.M. of Cornwallis is primarily made up of agricultural and rural acreage, and residential properties with some commercial and industrial uses scattered throughout. For a better understanding of what the greater community has to offer, it is recommended that you visit the City of Brandon Community Profile.
