The Town of Rivers is located along Provincial Trunk Highway 25, in the Westman Region of the province. Rivers is approximately 25 minutes north of Brandon, Manitoba's second largest city.
Rivers is nestled on the edge of the Little Saskatchewan Valley. The valley is known for its scenic natural beauty. The valley's landscape is gently rolling and the soil produces a wide variety of agricultural crops, suitable for many different types of farming.
Rivers, with a population of just over 1100 people, sits almost exactly half way between the cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
History
Rivers was first founded in 1908 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad. The community was named for the then president of the railroad, Sir Charles Rivers-Wilson. Rivers was first incorporated as a village in 1911, and then incorporated as a town in 1913.
During the Second World War, many soldiers from the British Commonwealth were stationed at the Rivers Air Base a few kilometres southwest of the town. Following the war, the base was used as a Canadian Joint Air Training Centre and remained active well into the 1970's.
Economic Base
Agriculture accounts for much of the economic base for the Town of Rivers. Agricultural related businesses in the town and area include seed cleaning plants, grain drying operations, grain elevators, machinery and equipment sales and repair, and fertilizer and chemical dealers. Crops grown in the area include barley, canola, flax, oats, wheat, and peas. A small number of producers have diversified into specialty crop farming. A number of livestock operations also operate in the surrounding area and grow both hogs and cattle.
Rivers is also home to the Riverdale Health Centre. This modern facility provides quality care and services to residents of Rivers and the neighbouring areas. The health centre also employs many people from the community. Rivers' business district houses many small and large businesses that include a grocery store, an auto dealership, a drug store, a lumber yard, a hardware store, and several restaurants and many other assorted retail outlets.
Major Attractions
Rivers has many recreational activities and events for both residents and visitors alike.
During the winter months, the Riverdale Community Gardens Skating Rink and the Rivers Curling Club are busy centres that are home to many organized events. Residents find friendly competition in both competitive and recreational curling leagues, which are housed in the Rivers Curling Club. Skaters can always enjoy a leisurely skate at the skating rink. snowmobile trails in the area are great for those looking for a little fast-paced fun.
During the summer months, the activity picks with many local facilities being constantly busy. Several baseball diamonds, two tennis courts, soccer pitches, a lawn bowling green and a network of hiking trails, are just a sample of the facilities open to those wishing to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
The Riverdale Golf and Country club is open all summer, for anyone wishing to brush up on their swing. For a more relaxing activity and annual sailboat regatta held on Lake Wahtopanah, attracts boaters from all across the province. The lake and Provincial Park also provide an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors year-round with many exciting facilities.
