The Rural Municipality of Macdonald is located in south central Manitoba, and is situated adjacent to the southwestern boundary of Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital city. The municipality is accessible by Winnipeg's Perimeter Highway 101, Provincial Trunk Highway 3 and Provincial Trunk Highway 2. Macdonald is also located along Provincial Road 330. Macdonald is well located along a major rail line, which provides quick and easy rail transfer access to Canadian and U.S.A. markets. The La Salle River, a tributary of the Red River, winds through the municipality. The La Salle River provides many picturesque river front properties and recreation opportunities throughout the municipality. Major communities in Macdonald include Oak Bluff, La Salle, Domain, Brunkild, Sanford, Starbuck and Osborne.
History
The municipality is named for Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. The Rural Municipality of Macdonald was formally incorporated in 1881, making it one of the oldest municipalities in Manitoba. Many native tribes such as the Cree, Ojibway, Assiniboine and Saulteaux, originally inhabited the area. These tribes formed a unified alliance against the feared Sioux tribes. The Metis people were some of the early settlers "staking claims" in the region. By 1882, the Canadian Pacific Railway began to lay tracks through the Village of LaSalle, and better roads were graded between Sanford and Winnipeg. These improvements quickly helped settlers to permanently settle in the municipality.
Macdonald is a rich cultural mosaic of nationalities. Residents of Macdonald include people of Metis, American, Slavic, German, English, and many other descents.
Economic Base
The economic picture for Macdonald is very promising. The municipality is home to some of Manitoba's fastest growing communities. Macdonald's communities offer many opportunities for industrial, commercial and residential growth. Industrial lots are available in all of Macdonald's communities for prospective entrepreneurs.
Macdonald has several excellent benefits that will attract future families, businesses and industries. Macdonald offers easy access to the province's capital. The R.M. offers modern services and amenities for its residents and businesses, and also picturesque country-style beauty at a relaxed pace. For entrepreneurs, Macdonald offers no business tax, and a very diversified economy. Macdonald's economy primarily focuses around agriculture, wood processing, and building supply products. Enns Brothers, a prominent farm implement dealer, is found in Oak bluff. Several forest product companies such as McDiarmid Distribution Centre, Perimeter Lumber, Sawyer Wood Products, Wildwood Forest Products and Superior Trusses are also found in Oakbluff.
Several new businesses in Macdonald such as Kleysen Transport, Starbuck Co-op, Brandt tractor and J & D tractor, are recent new additions to the growing economic diversity in the rural municipality.
Major Attractions
The strong - close knit communities of Macdonald each offer many cultural and recreational activities to residents and visitors alike. Bigger centres such as Sanford, Oakbluff, Domain and La Salle offer schools and many recreational and community facilities like curling clubs, community centres and churches.
Opportunities are abundant for residents to get involved in, evident by groups such as the 4-H Club, various sports clubs, the Canadian Legion, Knights of Columbus, school organizations and many more clubs found throughout all of Macdonald's communities.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Hundreds of events draw visitors and residents alike out in Macdonald. Brunkild invites you to its annual Dinner Theatre held in March. La Salle boasts its annual golf tournament and slo-pitch tournament during the summer months and mouthwatering Hog Roast dinner in late summer. Sanford's new 18-hole golf course, as well as LaSalle's Kingswood Golf and Country Club is sure to be a large success among all pro and novice golfers. Sanford's own Dinner Theatre in March is also sure to be a hit with all.
Many kilometres of groomed winter trails throughout the municipality, as well as, the rolling beauty along the La Salle River provide many opportunities for the nature lover for canoeing, skiing and snowmobiling.
