The Rural Municipality of St.Andrews lies along the Red River between Lake Winnipeg and the Provincial Capital City of Winnipeg. Part of the Interlake Region of the province, St.Andrews is only a few kilometres from the cities of Winnipeg and Selkirk, and all they have to offer. Many of the municipality's 10,000 residents live in the southern portion of the municipality, commuting to the city to work, while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of rural life. Several small unincorporated villages are located in the municipality including Lockport, Petersfield and Clandeboye.
Economic Base
The economic activity of the municipality is very diverse. The north and central portions of the community are actively involved in agriculture. Many small and large family farms produce several varieties of cereal grains and oilseeds. A handful of livestock producers operate in the municipality, mostly dairies supplying raw milk to several processors in the City of Winnipeg. Business throughout St.Andrews, supply inputs and services to the agricultural community including seed and fertilizer, bulk-fuel, and equipment and parts. Several small and large manufacturing firms operate in the municipality, with many located close to the cities of Winnipeg and Selkirk. The St.Andrews Airport is one of the larger aviation facilities in the province and its industrial park is home to many businesses in the aviation sector and others. The airport is also home to one of the largest flying clubs and flight training centres in the province. St.Andrews is close enough to Winnipeg and Selkirk to conveniently take advantage of all retail and professional services available.
Major Attractions
Recreation is an important part of life in St.Andrews. An arena and curling rink hold many organized leagues and tournaments for residents, and travelling teams as well. For more winter enjoyment, the Red River provides a place to snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and ice fish. During the summer, Lockport is home to a large waterslide park complete with mini-golf, bumper boats, and several pools and hot tubs. Cottage areas along Netley and Wavey Creeks, The Red River, and Lake Winnipeg are popular vacation retreats for many residents of the community and the nearby cities. As always, the Red River promises some fine fishing spots whether from shore or a well-outfitted boat. The Lockport dam is known for great walleye fishing, and parts of the river are world famous for its monster size channel catfish, many reaching world record sizes. The municipality's biggest tourist attraction is the Lower Fort Garry Museum and National Historic Site. This unique facility is a reconstruction of the original fort located further south, and is a working model complete with several fur-trade era buildings and shops. A highlight of the museum is a functional blacksmith shop, where supplies for the fort are still produced.
