In the heart of south-central Manitoba at the foot of the Tiger Hills and the centre of the rolling sand hills of the Assiniboine River Valley, lies the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Victoria. Incorporated in 1902, Victoria was originally part of the larger district named, "The County of Norfolk". Encompassing the Unincorporated Urban Centres of Holland and Cypress River, Victoria lies 150 kilometres southwest of the capital City of Winnipeg, and 100 kilometres south east of Brandon, Manitoba's second largest city.
History
With a population of 1275 residents, the R.M. of Victoria is renowned as the "Garden of Eden" in Manitoba. The diversity of scenery, both hill and dale, woodland and prairie present contrasts that are exceedingly easy on the eye. The land is made up mainly of farm fields of wheat and grain, but numerous natural features break up the landscape. A feature called the Hog's Back is a unique jagged outcropping left behind by prehistoric glaciers that shaped much of the surrounding area. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind a landscape dotted with small marshes and potholes. These wetland areas are home to many waterfowl and wildlife during the summer months, and throughout the year. Settlement in the area dates back to the 1880's, when pioneers arrived from Europe and Eastern Canada to turn sod and break the land. Homesteads were constructed, and many in the area still belong to the descendants of the original citizens.
Economic Base
The Victoria area lies in heart of southern Manitoba's prime agricultural areas. The area has rich sandy soils that support many mixed farmers growing a variety of cereal and oilseed crops. Specialty crops grown in the area include corn and sunflowers, and a growing number of potato producers, as well. The area is also home to a number of cattle producers, and the Victoria Grazing Association. The association operates four sections of community pasture, making home for a significant number of cattle in the summer months.
Holland and Cypress River both serve as retail and service centres to the Victoria area. The area has also emerged as a popular tourist attraction. During the summer months, the trails leading into Spruce Woods Provincial Park provide some impressive and breathtaking scenery. The R.M. of Victoria is also on the path of a waterfowl migration corridor, and the many game birds and mammals that call the area home provide many opportunities from bird watching to big game hunting.
Major Attractions
The major attractions to the area include the many recreation and leisure activities the community has to offer. Canoeists can enjoy a leisurely paddle down the winding Assiniboine River. Hikers, campers and picnic lovers can explore the facilities in Spruce Woods Park, and at various locations throughout the municipality. During the winter months, the area becomes a snowmobiler's delight, with scenic routes set throughout the rolling countryside. The local snowmobile club maintains almost 75 kilometres of groomed trails for winter enjoyment. The trails connect with a larger network maintained by various Manitoba Clubs, which connect all parts of the province. Victoria's most recent attraction is a recently refurbished Victorian styled house made entirely of granite stones. Constructed in 1900, the stones were floated down the Assiniboine River from kilometres away. The home, still under private ownership has remained in the same family for five generations.
Other Information
The R.M. of Victoria is a close knit rural community with good friends and good neighbours. The community is recognized as the heart of "Friendly Manitoba", and the people of Victoria work hard to live up to their end of the motto.
