St.Claude is located in south central Manitoba and sits along Provincial Trunk Highway 2, approximately 97 kilometres southwest of Manitoba's largest city, Winnipeg. St.Claude is also approximately only 165 kilometres North of the U.S.A. border crossing at Maida, North Dakota. St.Claude is nestled in the agriclutural heartland of Manitoba. Prairie farmland surrounds the village and continues for many kilometres in each direction.
History
St.Claude was incorporated as a village in 1963, and is the largest community in the Rural Municipality of Grey.
St.Claude was settled mainly as an early agricultural community, due to its prime agricultural location. The village has a very strong French-Canadian flavour to its residents. Yet, residents of many other nationalities, including English, Belgian, Swiss, Ukranian, Dutch, and Metis, are well represented in the village.
Economic Base
Besides servicing the surrounding agricultural communities, the dairy industry is one of St.Claude's largest economic strengths. Beatrice Foods, employs 35 of the village's residents and produces skim milk powder, butter and cheese, and exports these products to larger urban centres in Manitoba. St.Claude also has a strong health care industry. The village has a modern 12-bed hospital, a health clinic and two local doctors. Seen as being an ideal community for retirees, St.Claude has a retirement manor, an 18-bed personal care home, and a well organized home care program for seniors.
Major Attractions
There are many unique and interesting tourist attractions that are a must see while in St.Claude. Steeped in its unique French tradition, the village is home to the world's largest smokable pipe! St.Claude also boasts having the world's smallest suspended bridge. Not to be forgotten is the village's beautiful Roman Catholic Church. The church displays a beautiful set of computerized chimes that chime every day, and were designed by the renowned Canadian architect, Etienne Gaboury.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
St.Claude has boasts an arena and curling rink for winter sports enthusiasts. Ski buffs will find the Birch Ski Resort, which is only 25 minutes away from St.Claude, satisfying for their needs of ski and sun. Spring and summer is time to hit the links with two golf courses just outside of the village.
Events not to miss while in St.Claude include the Saint-Claude and Haywood Agricultural Fair in the month of June. The fair is the second largest annual dairy cattle exhibition in Manitoba!
