The Rural Municipality of Blanshard, affectionately known as the breadbasket of Manitoba, is located in western Manitoba only 64 kilometres northwest of Manitoba's second largest city, Brandon. Blanshard is easily accessible by road. The municipality can be reached along Provincial Trunk Highway 24, and by Provincial Road 250 running north from west of Brandon. With a population of approximately 655 residents, Blanshard's largest community is Oak River with a population of approximately 125 people. Cardale is the other significant community in Blanshard.
History
The history of Blanshard parallels the colourful history of settlement on Manitoba's fertile Prairies. A large immigrant population had been established in Blanshard by 1879, in hopes of starting a new way of life. With anticipation of the railroad, the community of Oak River was surveyed, and lots were bought up quickly by settlers and businessmen.
Disappointed by the Canadian Pacific Railway deciding to pass through Brandon, the residents of Oak River, perservered and eventually received a rail line through Oak River in 1889, and Cardale in 1908.
Officially incorporated as a municipality in 1884, Blanshard came into existence when the historic county of Ivanhoe was subdivided into the surrounding municipalities. With the passing of The Municipalities Act by the Provincial Government, the first municipal elections occurred in Blanshard in late 1883. Blanshard's first council meeting took place on January 8, 1884. With Chas E. McCullum elected as Blanshard's first Reeve, council members Mear, Barr, Evans, Johnston, Hogarth, and Huston formed the rest of Blanshard's first Municipal council.
Economic Base
Grain and mixed farming are Blanshard's largest and most important industries. The CN rail line running through southwest Blanshard meets the transportation needs for many of the areas farmers. The strong agricultural backbone of the municipality is noticeable by the various seed plants, grain elevator, farm supply and equipment dealership found in the community.
Besides its role as an agricultural centre for area farmers, Oak River offers many services and products to its residents and the surrounding communities. Oak River Quick Freeze, (meat processing plant), and Springfield Manufacturing (bin sweeps) are the municipality's largest employers, employing approximately 10 residents each. The rural municipality of Blanshard and the Rolling River School Division employ approximately 6 residents each, and are the largest public sector employers in the municipality. New families in Blanshard will find its many services satisfactory to their needs. Oak River boasts a K to 8 school that features high education standards, up to date computer labs with Internet access, and a recently built library. The small learning environment provides a great teacher to student learning environment, and many sporting and music activities for students. Businesses such as Kenton's Co-op, Mr. T's Services, Way Mor Insurance, Ann's House of Beauty, and Shenenigans restaurant, meet all the basic needs of Oak River's residents.
Blanshard also boasts one of the lowest cost of living expenses in southwestern Manitoba. Developers will find Blanshard a good place to invest in, without the worries of high property taxes.
Major Attractions
Don't forget to visit Cardale's beautiful United Church that was built in 1915. It is the only original building in Cardale that remains in its original use. Visitors in Cardale cannot miss Dora's Cafe, a cultural institution and sentimental part of the community. The cafe serves as the gathering place for morning coffee seven days a week, and for a bite to eat or snack any time of the year.
Salt Lake, just a few kilometres north of Blanshard meets the recreational needs of the municipality. Camping, swimming, water skiing, and miniature golfing are just some of the fun to be had. The exciting Clack Brothers Heritage Museum will take you through a walk into history with antiques of the past. Many other sporting and recreational activites and organizations such as the Cardale Curling Club, Oak River 4-H Club, Oak River Figure Skating Club and Blanshard Bobcats Hockey Club are on hand for both residents to pariticipate and enjoy watching.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
Curling Bonspiels in Oak River and Cardale during February and March, are always an exiciting time for players and fans. The Oak River Agricultural Society Fair during the third week of July and Cardale's Sports day in June, are other fun events not to miss.
Oak River also hosts the annual 4-H Achievement Awards in early spiring. The friendly people of Blanshard welcome to visit their beautiful community and join them in these fun events!
