Beausejour is located on the last edges of the Canadian prairies. Much of the area is flat, fertile farmland with the occasional outcropping of aspen of poplar forest. Only minutes to the east, the prairie gives way to the rugged beauty of the lakes and forests that make up the Canadian Shield.
History
The Town of Beausejour is situated on Provincial Trunk Highway 44, just 60 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. With a population of over 2500 residents, Beausejour is a major centre in Manitoba's Eastman Region. The town, surrounded by the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead, is at the forefront of commercial and industrial expansion in the Eastman Region. Beausejour is also the gateway to the Whiteshell Provincial Park and some of Manitoba's best vacationlands. Its proximity to the resort and lake areas and the work centres of Winnipeg, make Beausejour a perfect place to call home.
Economic Base
Retail shops and services constitute a large part of the town's economy. A large number of businesses provide almost everything imaginable to town residents, and people living in the surrounding community. Beausejour is a retail and shopping centre for much of eastern Manitoba. The farming community in the local area finds most of their needed services in Beausejour. Grain and seed, as well as, fertilizer and crop inputs are sold at numerous outlets in the town. Agricultural advice and services are also provided by a number of agronomists and government representatives in Beausejour.
The Canadian Shield areas to the northeast have a small logging industry associated with them, which is supported by the Town of Beausejour. In the past few years, tourism has become a major part of the local economy. Being so close to the vacation areas of the eastern province, the town provides a great spot to stock up on groceries and supplies. Many cottage goers live at the lake all summer, and Beausejour serves as a service centre for many of them.
Major Attractions
Residents of Beausejour have an active social life with many events and activities planned throughout the year. The town is home to a state of the art racing complex, and to the annual Canadian Power Toboggan Championships.
The Raceplex venue is also used for numerous other events and outdoor concerts. The Double B Rodeo and the annual Agricultural Fair, are two more of the many annual events that draw visitors to Beausejour.
The town also boasts a recreation complex with an ice arena. Beausejour also boasts a curling rink and swimming pool. Hiking and ski trails, and two golf courses are also found within and close to Beausejour.
Beausejour also boasts a modern hall, which seats 900 for receptions, banquets or other social events.
Beausejour has many cultural attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy. The Manitoba Glass Works Historic Site is located on the outskirts of Beausejour, and is the site of the first glass container factory in Western Canada. The plant operated from 1906 to 1914 and employed over 350 people at its peak. Remnants of the original factory can still be seen. Another museum, The Brokenhead Pioneer Village Museum, is a nine-building complex that provides a glimpse into the lives of past settlers.
