The municipality of Grey is located in the flat, rich agricultural lands of south-central Manitoba. The municipality is just 73 kilometres southwest of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg, and can be reached along Provincial Trunk Highway 2 (from Winnipeg) and Provincial Road 240 from Portage la Prairie. Its rich agricultural lands make Grey heavily involved in all agricultural endeavors such as grain farming, cattle, dairy, and hog operations, and also PMU farming. The Village of St.Claude is Grey's largest centre, with Elm Creek being the other main centre. Haywood, and the hamlets of Fannystelle and Culross, are other large communities.
History
Incorporated in 1906, the municipality of Grey has a rich historical background. Its 10 geographic townships extend 19 kilometres from north to south, and 48 kilometres from east to west. St.Claude was incorporated as a village in 1963, and is the largest community in the Rural Municipality of Grey.
Historically, most of the settlement that occurred in Grey was due to its prime agricultural location. The first settlers in the region were mostly French-Canadian, and to a lesser extent of English descent. Also, the Metis community has always had a strong influence in the community. The turn of the century saw a larger immigration of people from different parts of Europe. Immigrants from Belgium, the Netherlands, the Ukraine, and other Slavic countries moved in to locate on prime farmland. More recently, Grey has seen an influx of people moving from Winnipeg into its communities. Only 45 minutes away, many people find the quiet, peaceful lifestyle of Grey's communities enjoyable, and commute to Winnipeg every day to work.
Economic Base
Grey's economy revolves around agriculture. Many of its residents are directly involved in grain and livestock farming. Grain farming is predominantly located around Fannystelle and Elm Creek, while the majority of livestock farms (beef, dairy cattle and hog) are found around the Hamlet of Haywood.
Dairy production has a very strong thread throughout the community. Dairy farmers are found throughout the region, while dairy plants, like the Beatrice plant in St.Claude, employ many local residents. Haywood also is home to a concrete plant that employs 12 local residents. St.Claude and the smaller communities like Elm Creek, have their own local economies that are service oriented. Restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels (in Elm Creek and St. Claude) cater to residents and visitors. The larger centres of St.Claude and Elm Creek offer a wider variety of financial and professional services, while also offering schools and more municipal services.
Major Attractions
The friendly people of Grey welcome you to visit the many interesting places in their community. Steeped in its rich French tradition, St.Claude is the proud home of the world's largest smokable pipe! Also, the village boasts having the world's smallest suspended bridge. The beautiful Roman Catholic Church designed by Etienne Gaboury, the famous Canadian architect, is a special place to visit while in St.Claude. Bob's Wild West Adventures (a live outdoor western theatre) is also sure to excite and entertain you on a warm and hazy prairie summer day.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Residents of Grey are constantly busy with many clubs and activities happening throughout the municipality. Elm Creek is proud to be the home of the "Prairie Fire" local high school hockey team. With a large four-sheet curling rink, many baseball diamonds and a local 18-hole golf course, Elm Creek is a great place to play a tournament with any sport team. Grey's communities are full of a multiplicity of events.
Haywood welcomes you to spend time at their delicious Corn Roast in the third weekend of August, or visit them for their annual Poker Derby on the last weekend of January. The Fannystelle Fun Fest at the sports grounds in Fannystelle in July is always a happening time where you can enjoy great music, food and plenty of fun and entertainment! Last but not least, the Saint-Claude and Haywood Agricultural Fair in the month of June cannot be missed, since it's the second largest annual dairy cattle exhibition in Manitoba!
