The Rural Municipality of South Norfolk is located in the agricultural heartland of south central Manitoba. South Norfolk is located just 123 kilometres from Manitoba's second largest city, Brandon. The municipality is also conveniently located within close proximity to the Capital City of Winnipeg, and can be accessed along Provincial Trunk Highway 2. South Norfolk's largest centre is the Town of Treherne, with a population of approximately 750 residents. Treherne is conveniently located along highway 2. Rathwell is another prominent community in the municipality that adds to the economic and cultural life of the municipality. The beautiful rolling Tiger Hills in the south, and the winding Assiniboine River that snakes through the municipality, situates South Norfolk in a very beautiful location on the Manitoban prairies.
History
Much of South Norfolk's settlement is due to its strong agricultural backbone. Settlers and prairie pioneers found this land west of Winnipeg to be very fertile, as it supported the growing of many different crops and livestock. The heralding of the railway through the municipality opened up the region to further settlement by pioneers keen on settling on their own section of land. The railroad also helped foster a stronger agricultural role, since a wide-ranging and quick connection of agricultural communities to large urban centres was now established.
Economic Base
Rich agricultural lands in South Norfolk provide for a diverse range of agriculture products. Farmers in South Norfolk grow a wide range of crops ranging from spring wheat, winter wheat, rye, oats, barley, canola, flax, corn, peas, sunflowers and potatoes. Farmers in the municipality also produce seed grain for local seed companies.
South Norfolk is situated in a very good agricultural location, since the Assiniboine River provides a rich water resource for irrigation, and the municipality is well connected by road and rail. Livestock production is also prominent in the region with farmers specializing in hog production, beef and cattle production, and also PMU operations. The economic condition in South Norfolk is very enticing to new entrepreneurs, since the municipality has a very low municipal tax rate. South Norfolk also has good access to agricultural products and service, and is within close proximity to the City of Winnipeg and the United States. The Louis Dreyfuss Ltd. Grain Elevator is a prominent employer in the municipality, employing approximately 10 residents. Real Industries, which specializes in trailer sales, employs approximately 10 employees. Rea's Welding Ltd. is also a very prominent employer, employing approximately 15.
The Town of Treherne plays a prominent role in the economic life of the municipality, since larger services and products are available in the town. Some of the more prominent employers in Treherne are found in the health and education services. The Tiger Hills Health Centre & Care Home in Treherne provide health services to residents.
The Tiger Hills Seniors' Villa and the Treherne Legion Lodge also employ residents. With the Treherne Elementary School and Treherne Collegiate, the town and municipality are a good place for new families to locate.
Major Attractions
There are many things to see and do while in South Norfolk! Do not forget to visit South Norfolk's own unique glass house and church. Made by Bob and Dora Cain, these buildings are actually made of thousands of glass bottles! This attraction is located just 2.5 kilometres north of Nunn's Equipment on highway 2.
The Pinkerton Lakes Wildlife Refuge provides an excellent opportunity to view wildlife and birds native to the Manitoba prairie. The refuge is located just 10 kilometres south of Treherne on Provincial Road 242. The Refuge offers a wide range of sites and accessories, such as a scenic viewing tower, canoe launch onto the lake, and an ungroomed walking trail that surrounds the lake. For a day trip, shelter is also provided for visitors to enjoy a picnic.
The 9-hole Delahunt Golf Course just 3 kilometres east of Treherne on Hwy 2 provides scenic grass greens, watered fairways, a pro shop, restaurant, and golf carts available for rental. The club welcomes all tournaments and all avid golfers. The Bittersweet Ski Trails north of the golf course will call all winter bunnies to its trails.
While in Treherne, please stop to visit our Treherne Museum. The main building itself is furnished in the traditional decor of an early 1900's rural home. The museum houses a large gun collection, a doll collection, and furniture and household items from this era. The museum also boasts an indoor replica village that features an early 1900's restaurant, a bank, a one-room school, a church, and a blacksmith shop. The museum is also home to a large collection of antique farm machinery, and features a Waterloo threshing machine. The museum welcomes you to a visit from May to September.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Rathwell boasts its own community hall and is proud to host the annual Old Time Fiddler's Contest, an event that has been held for 50 years. Rathwell is also home to the annual winter Snowmobile Poker Derby that is held the first Sunday in March. Hopefully, you don't lose your clothes when you lose your poker hand!
