The Town of Minnedosa is located in the Westman Region of the Province, 210 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, Manitoba's capital. Resting at the junction of Provincial Trunk Highway 10 and The Yellowhead Highway 16, the community of 3000 residents is also 50 kilometres from Brandon, Westman's largest centre.
History
Minnedosa's beginnings were in the early 1870's when John Tanner developed a stopping place along the Carlton Trail at a crossing of the Little Saskatchewan River. The stopping place known as, "Tanner's Crossing", soon attracted hundreds of settlers as they passed through on their way west. The area was one inhospitable place with no policing and little law. All that changed in 1875, with the establishment of a NorthWest Mounted Police outpost at Tanner's Crossing.
Two brothers, Ace and Sidney Scouten, were sent west to try to maintain order in the lawless areas west of the original Manitoba border near Gladstone. The two patrolmen set up several small stopping places along their patrol route where horses could be fed, watered and rested. Evidence of these stops can still be seen today along the Little Saskatchewan River. With respectable law and order in the area, settlers began to arrive, and a small town was established.
In 1879, the first bridge was built over the river, and Tanner's Crossing was soon forgotten. Within a few years, railroad tracks were laid through the area and all traces of the crossing disappeared. The Town of Minnedosa was officially incorporated in 1883.
Economic Base
The economy in Minnedosa is based largely on agriculture and farming in the rich fertile fields of the surrounding area. Major crops include most cereal grains and oilseeds, as well as, many forage crops for use in livestock production. There are several livestock operations in the area which augment the prosperous field crops.
Minnedosa is a full-service centre for agriculture in the area. Town businesses offer support to all aspects of the farming community, including seed, chemicals, equipment sales and service, and agronomic advice. Manufacturing is a big part of the town's economy, as well.Two major plants operate in the community, one producing various types of farm machinery and parts, the other producing Ethanol from grain for use as an automotive fuel and many other industrial applications.
Minnedosa has a thriving retail and business district where residents can purchase almost all they will ever need. The business district offers shopping and services for residents of surrounding communities.
Major Attractions
Recreation plays an important part in the lives of many Minnedosa residents. As well as the usual facilities like the hockey and curling rinks, and baseball diamonds and soccer fields, Minnedosa has several unique facilities as well.
The jewel of the community is Lake Minnedosa. Created by a dam and spillway on the Little Saskatchewan River, the lake is lined with cottages, summer homes, a beautiful sandy beach and a campground. A Bison park at the south end of the lake is home to a herd of Plains Bison reminiscent of the millions of animals that once inhabited the area. The lake is also home to the Minnedosa Rowing Centre, a world-class rowing facility that hosts several regional and national events, and was home to the rowing, canoeing and kayaking events in the 1999 Pan Am Games.
Minnedosa also boasts several historical walking trails and paths, and numerous historical sites throughout the town. Minnedosa's picturesque nine-hole golf course is one of the most beautiful in the area, and plans are underway to add another nine holes.
Each year, the shores of Lake Minnedosa come alive with music with the Classic Rock Weekend festival. The weekend event attracts thousands of fans to camp and enjoy the party, as Rock & Roll bands form the 70's & 80's get back together to perform at this popular music festival.
Minnedosa is home to Manitoba's longest fish ladder. Constructed by conservation officials and groups to aid fish over the dam in their migration routes, the structure is over 600 feet long.
