Note: As of January 1, 2003, The Village of Garson has been amalgamated with, and is now part of the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead.
Geography
The Village of Garson is situated on Provincial Trunk Highway 44 and is approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg. The village is located in eastern Manitoba and is found adjacent to the Rural Municipality of Brokenhead. Garson has a population of 339 residents. The area surrounding Garson is rich prairie farmland. The Municipality of Brokenhead is just west of the rugged Canadian Shield and the Whiteshell Provincial Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Manitoba.
History
Garson was incorporated as a village in 1915. The village was originally known as Lydall until the name was changed in 1927. Many of the original settlers in the area were of Swedish descent. The village was named after William Garson who was the founder of the limestone quarry in the region during the early 1900's. Garson has had a long tradition of quarrying excellent quality limestone since 1896. Along with the neighboring village of Tyndall, Garson has produced limestone that was used in such places as the Hall of Fame in the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and the Manitoba Legislative Building.
Economic Base
Garson's largest employer is its limestone quarry. Gillis Quarries employs approximately 40 residents and continues to produce excellent, world famous limestone.
Basic necessities such as the two automobile service stations, a small grocery store, small restaurant, local cabinet maker and the Garson Hotel are located within Garson's boundaries. For bigger shopping and services, residents typically have to travel to nearby Winnipeg or Beausejour.
Major Attractions
Visit Garson's beautiful Limestone church. The old Lutheran Church is a heritage site, and is a good example of the quality and beauty of Garson's famous limestone. Garson's Memorial Park (just adjacent to the church) is a beautiful place to stop. The park displays a Cenotaph that commemorates the bravery of the soldiers who lost their lives during the first and second world wars. The community also has a 300 seat arena, soccer and ball fields and playground for all sporting events for young and old.
Anglers of all ages and abilities will be drawn to one of Garson's largest tourist attractions, the Garson Sportfishing Park. Do you feel like fishing for Artic Char, Rainbow or Speckled trout. The park boasts over 400 master anglers caught. The park also features over 18 stocked ponds, barbeque and picknicking facilities, a bait and tackle shop and a snack bar. Heated ice fishing shacks also provide some warm comfort for those hardy winter fisher men and women. The park is also open 12 months of the year.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Garson prides itself for putting community first, and strongly supports its residents and neighbors. Events in Garson honor different groups in the community. Garson also has its own Seniors "drop in" centre, which helps meet the needs of this special part of the community. Fall Pancake breakfasts help bring together young and old from Garson and its surrounding communities. Church potluck dinners and events help further strengthen Garson's community spirit.
