The municipality of St.Clements is located just ten minutes northeast of Wininpeg. The municipality is conveniently located at the southern tip of Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba's largest lake. St.Clements can be reached along Provincial Trunk Highway 59, which runs north of Winnipeg through the municipality, and also Provincial Trunk Highway 12. Provincial Roads 317 and 435 access St.Clements from the west.
St.Clements is on the southwestern boarder of Manitoba's beautiful Interlake region. The Interlake features some of the nicest beaches in the world, and the friendliest mix of people. Geographically, rolling plains just north of Winnipeg give way to rich forest and marshland, cumulating in pristine northern beaches on St.Clements' northern boundaries. St.Clements is home to one of the world's most famous beaches, Grand Beach. Grand Beach is a popular summer spot for tourists and beach goers from all over Manitoba and Canada, looking for serious rest and relaxation. The municipality's largest centres are East Selkirk, which is nestled along the Red River in the south, and Grand Beach /Grand Marais on the southern shores of Lake Winnipeg. Other significant communities include Libau and Thalbe.
History
St.Clements was incorporated on July 7, 1883. Portions of the historical parishes of St.Peters, St.Andrews, and St.Clements amalgamated to form the municipality. The municipality's largest centre, East Selkirk, became part of St.Clements in 1904. The beaches in St.Clements have drawn people to them since the 1920's, with many of these beaches being popular weekend spots for people living in Winnipeg. The first elections were held in the municipality in early January 1884. Robert Hay was the first official Reeve of St.Clements. Six elected councilors also formed the council, two councilors elected for each of three wards.
The municipality's history dates back to the late 18th century. In 1783, the French explorer La Verendrye had dubbed the area surrounding the South Basin around Grand Beach/Grand Marais, which means Big Marsh.
The municipal boundaries of St.Clements historically have changed little in the past. In 1894, ward boundaries were changed to six different wards. The municipal boundary didn't change again until 1998, when it was changed to two wards, with three councilors elected for each ward. The first female councilor elected was Dorothy Craigie, who was elected in the 1978. St.Clements' current Reeve is Ken Thomas. Reeve Thomas has held the position since he was elected in 1992.
Economic Base
Tourism is one of St.Clements' strongest economic activities. With some of Manitoba's greatest beaches within its boundaries, services and products cater to the beach goers and cottager owners in the municipality. Cottage rental, bed and breakfasts, and a few hotels are found in the municipality. Professional services such as building contractors, plumbing and roofing specialists are also plentiful. The professionals offer their services not just to residents, but also those keen on building or repairing their "weekend getaways".
Major Attractions
Many of the sites around St.Clements are located around beautiful beaches. Besides the beaches, St.Clements provides many opportunities to experience beautiful Manitoba wildlife. When you visit Grand Beach Provincial Park, you may be lucky to see the endangered Piping Plover. The park also provides wonderful picnic and camping facilities, which overlook the beautiful expanse of Grand Beach. Patricia Beach boasts a large natural marsh area. Canoeing through the marsh and along the lakeshore, one will be able to experience an amazing variety of native waterfowl and wildlife species. Patricia Beach is a great place to take the family for a little sun and swimming. Grand Beach features miles of white silica sand.
The Town of Grand Beach and Grand Marais provide excellent recreation and tourist services.
