The Rural Municipality of Westbourne is located in south central Manitoba. Westbourne is easily accessible by a number of provincial highways; Provincial Trunk Highways 34 and 16 (The Yellowhead Route), Provincial Roads 242, 260, 265 and 350 help connect all of Westbourne's communities together. The heart of the municipality, the Town of Gladstone, is approximately halfway between the City of Brandon and the City of Winnipeg. Gladstone is approximately 105 kilometres from Winnipeg, and Brandon as well.
Gladstone is the major service centre for the region. The communities of Westbourne, Woodside, Katrime, Muir, Ogilvie and Plumas are the other significant communities in Westbourne.
History
The Rural Municipality of Westbourne was incorporated on December 1, 1877. As years went by, portions of the then R.M. of Westbourne were taken to make up areas of surrounding municipalities, leaving the municipality at its current size today. In 1877, the population was 800. Today the population is approximately 2035 people.
The first bridge over the Whitemud River was built at Westbourne in 1878. In the early 1880's, the Westbourne and Northwestern Railway (now known as the C.P.R.) was built through Westbourne, while the 1920's brought the first sod turning for the market road system built under Provincial supervision and grants.
Economic Base
The area surrounding Westbourne is well known for its agriculturally based economy. Crops such as wheat, canola, barley, oats, flax, and potatoes are part of many large-scale operations in the municipality.
Westbourne also has prominence in various cattle, hog and poultry operations producing products for domestic markets. Wheat is the primary export commodity of the area, yet with the expansion of the pork and potato industries in Manitoba, this may change. Showing a strong emphasis towards agricultural diversification, Westbourne is poised for the opportunities facing its municipality in the future.
Major Attractions
Don't miss visiting The Gladstone and Area Museum. Housed in Gladstone's former railway station, the museum displays the community's artifacts that accurately reflect the history of pioneer life of Gladstone and the surrounding district.
Approximately 15 kilometres north of Gladstone lies the Big Grass Marsh. The marsh is home to numerous migratory, game and year-round birds such as Canada Geese, Snow Geese, ducks, Blue Herons, small upland birds, and deer. The marsh is a must see attraction for the avid wildlife and birding viewer. Bird watching has become one of the most popular hobbies in Westbourne, with the local area gaining international recognition because of its natural setting and wealth of waterfowl.
Sportsman's Corner (SE 24-14-9) and Lynch's Point (on Lake Manitoba) (SE 1-15-9) are two other popular places for camping, fishing and swimming. Don't miss these places during the summer!
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Don't miss the Plumas Fair in July. This event draws out local residents and people from neighboring communities every year!
