As a dominant feature of the local landscape, The Red River divides the City of Selkirk into east and west. The Red River provides a multiplicity of recreation and sporting activities. Fertile fields of grain and oilseeds surround the city on all sides. Only a few kilometers to the north lies Lake Winnipeg, one of the largest fresh water bodies in North America and the world. The cottage communities that line the southern shores of the lake provide a summer get away to thousands of Manitobans.
History
Selkirk is known locally as the "catfish capital of North America". Settled on the banks of the Red River, Selkirk served for many years as the last harbor on the Red River system before Lake Winnipeg. Early settlers arrived by York boat in the late 1800's from Eastern Canada and from far off Europe. They brought with them a rich cultural heritage that can be seen today in local festivals like the Manitoba Highland Gathering and Games.
Economic Base
This city of 10,000 people has all the attractions of any major center. Manufacturing firms both large and small call Selkirk home. The multi-national Gerdeau MRM Steel Mill employs 450 people and is one of the larger steel mills on the prairies. Selkirk also hosts many smaller metal fabricating and manufacturing firms. Selkirk businesses offer many other products and services to the surrounding area.
With the proximity to the Red River and some of the best catfish fishing on the continent, Selkirk has a thriving tourism industry. Anglers come from the Southern States and around the world to compete in organized derbies and to fish recreationally. Many hotels, motels, restaurants and services abound to cater to the needs of these seasonal visitors.
Major Attractions
When in Selkirk, many people try their luck at landing the "big one", a Red River Catfish. The Red River around Selkirk is known for producing some catfish weighing more than fifty pounds. The catfish has become a local mascot, as is evident by the statue of chuck The Catfish greeting visitors at the south end of Main St.
Selkirk Park offers many outdoor recreational activities such as camping, team sports facilities, a swimming pool and public beach area in the summer, and cross country ski trails in the winter. The park is located on the river bank and provides easy access to the Red River for boaters and fisherman. Selkirk Park is also home to the Triple S Fair and Rodeo, attracting competitors and guests from across Canada.
Located adjacent to the Selkirk Park is the Selkirk Marine Museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the river heritage that led to the settlement of Selkirk. Among the exhibits are a number of nautical artifacts, and a number of restored ships that visitors can wander through.
Much of old Downtown Selkirk is lined with historic buildings, dating back to the turn of the century and beyond. During the summer months, the city offers self guided walking tours of the area where residents and guests alike can enjoy the scenery and learn some of the history about each building.
Gerdeau MRM Steel Mill, on the south end of the city, is one of the larger metal-recycling facilities on the prairies. Scrap metal of all types, from manufacturing wastes to crushed automobiles and rail cars are shipped to the facility and melted down to make new steel beams and girders.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Selkirk Park, on the banks of The Red River offers a host of recreational activities with something for everyone. The park also offers easy access to the river for fishing and boating. The park offers camping facilities complete with public washrooms and showers, picnic areas, swimming, and a marshland bird sanctuary supported by Ducks Unlimited Canada.
The Selkirk arena and The Selkirk Recreation Complex house indoor hockey rinks available all winter to the public. The Recreation Complex is also home to regional hockey teams like the Selkirk Fishermen and the Selkirk Steelers.
Set along the scenic Red River, the Selkirk Golf and Country club offers a challenging 18-hole course sure to satisfy the hacker and professional alike. There is a practice fairway and putting green, as well as a restaurant and lounge for post-game refreshments.
The Selkirk Community pool, attached to the Regional Comprehensive School is open evenings throughout the school year for public use. Lessons and programs are available for all ages, and there are regularly scheduled public swims.
Other Information
Access
Selkirk is located on Highway #9 34 kilometers north of Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital city. All travel to Winnipeg is along four-lane blacktop road, with many provincial highways and regional roads providing travel east and west. Connections to the Trans Canada Highway and many routes to the United States are easy and direct.
Water Services
The City of Selkirk operates a water treatment and distribution facility that serves all major business and residential areas in and around Selkirk. Ground water is pumped from various locations to meet the growing cities needs.
Sewage Collection & Treatment
All major business and residential areas of the City are services by a wastewater collection and treatment facility.
Landfill & Eco-Center
All areas of the city are provided with garbage collection and disposal services. A citywide recycling program is in effect. Some areas have regular pickup of material and drop off facilities exist for others.
Education
Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School houses students from Selkirk and surrounding areas in many academic and vocational high school programs. Elementary and middle school students are housed in a number of schools, and nursery and day care facilities are available.
Health Care
Selkirk District General Hospital provides emergency care and longer-term care to the Selkirk area. Ambulance service is available to much of the area. The Selkirk Mental Health Center provides specialty health services to much of the province.
Police & Fire
Police services are provided by the local detachment of the RCMP. The City has a volunteer fire department, backed up with modern fire fighting and rescue equipment.
